Buddhism abd Buddhist Teachings

The notion of suffering is not intended to convey a negative world view, but rather, a pragmatic perspective that deals with the world as it is, and attempts to rectify it. The concept of pleasure is not denied, but acknowledged as fleeting. Pursuit of pleasure can only continue what is ultimately an unquenchable thirst. The same logic belies an understanding of happiness. In the end, only aging, sickness, and death are certain and unavoidable.

First truth (dukkha)

Truth of suffering, Suffering exists. First truth is that life is suffering:

Life includes pain
Getting old
Disease
Ultimately death

We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. Instead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.

Second truth (Samudaya)

The truth of the cause, Cause for suffering. In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. The second truth explains is concept - which suffering is caused by craving and aversion.

We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want, etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting.

Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.

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		© 2006, Kaushi Weerapura The University of Western Ontario
		Last updated:2006/July