Suffering (September 24, 2007)
By default, life is beautiful, happy and abundant. It doesn’t necessarily mean so materially or financially, but we are given our lives to enjoy ourselves as much as possible under any circumstances.
In reality, however, our life is far from perfection and many are complaining of their sufferings. Why? This was in fact the question that Buddha was seeking to answer when he was enlightened. Let me try to explain.
First, as Buddha taught us, the most common cause of the suffering is attachment to desire. The desires are not limited to material desire, such as foods, clothes, money, property and fame, but also to physical, mental or emotional needs: desire for a relationship, marriage, career, friendship, emotional security/stability and sexuality. When the desired is not met, the person experiences dissatisfaction, frustration, anger and even anxiety. The root cause is the attachment to the desire and until the person learns how to let go of the attachment (not the desire itself), the suffering continues. Note that having the desire is OK because it is the expression of the passion, but once you are attached to the desire, suffering starts.
Second, suffering can be caused by not accepting and understanding of Karma. If you have experienced a series of sufferings of a similar nature one after another, such as physical illnesses, abuses and break-ups, you may have to realize that there may be a root cause of the sufferings, which is Karma. You must accept and understand that you have the Karma, which you must learn lessons to overcome it. (For understanding Karma, please read “What is Karma?”)
Third, suffering can be also caused by not getting in touch with your own Self. People search the Truth everywhere, often traveling abroad to spiritual places, learning different cultures and trying this trying that. I myself have traveled many countries and learned tremendous wisdom through adventure and local communities/people. I still travel, but now I have learned that my own Truth, Sacred Treasure, is in my Heart within. So many individuals are afraid of getting in touch with the own Self, often knowing that the answer is hidden there. In order to get in touch with the Self, you must learn about your energy, body, mind, emotion and Soul through spiritual practice such as meditation and by receiving healing.
Again, life is full of joy, love and happiness. It is the time to recognize this Universal Truth and determine to bring your life to a positive direction. Suffering is your own creation. You can reverse your life and live positively, fully from sufferings.
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