Life is suffering.
The origin of suffering is egoistic craving and attachment.
There is a way to the cessation of suffering.
This Way is the Eightfold Path:
Right Understanding;
Right Thinking;
Right Speech;
Right Attitude;
Right Livelihood;
Right Effort;
Right Mindfulness;
Right Concentration.
2 comments:
I know that the traditional translation for dukkha is suffering, but I think that makes Buddhism sound a bit too pessimistic. I liked the way that Lama Surya Das translated it in 'Awakening the Buddha Within': Life is difficult, and at times painful.
Life is suffering just sounds too darn dreary for most westerners. :)
The first noble truth may sound a bit pessimistic to some people but that's simply the fact of like. Life is suffering in terms of physical and mental suffering. If we just keep focusing on the first noble truth, then there seems no hope as we only see suffering. Lets not forget what the proceeding 3 noble truths has to say. That's the optimistic part.
Post a Comment