Life is suffering

 The Buddha told us that “Life is Suffering”. One who does not understand the Truth of this may think that life is meaningless and become negative and pessimistic. Actually, this theory is commonly misunderstood. People in society and even some Buddhists are trapped in this wrong and gloomy view.

The Buddha says, “Life is suffering”. What does “suffering” mean? The sutras say: “Impermanence therefore suffering”. Everything is impermanent and changeable. The Buddha says that life is suffering because it is impermanent and ever-changing. For example, a healthy body cannot last forever. It will gradually become weak, old. sick and die. One who is wealthy cannot maintain one’s wealth forever. Sometimes one may become poor. Power and status do not last as well, one will lose them finally. From this condition of changing and instability, although there is happiness and joy, they are not ever lasting and ultimate. When changes come, suffering arises.

Thus, the Buddha says life is suffering. Suffering means dissatisfaction, impermanence and imperfection. If a practising Buddhist does not understand the real meaning of “suffering” and think that life is not perfect and ultimate, they become negative and pessimistic in their view of life. Those who really understand the teaching of the Buddha will have a totally different view. We should know that the theory of “Life is suffering” taught by the Buddha is to remind us that life is not ultimate and lasting, and hence we should strive towards Buddhahood — a permanent and perfect life.

Source: http://www.buddhanet.net/
Translated by Neng Rong, edited by Mick Kiddle, proofread by Neng Rong

Comments

  1. Anil Nirhali

    August 6, 2013

    As the sky breaks into a beautiful Sunrise …may GOD open the window of heaven to shower U lots of blessings…Good Morning…jen

  2. Pieter Hibma

    August 6, 2013

    Life is sustainable, subject to certain laws. We don't die we just go home. The role of this earth is just like a tool, lately we don't look after it. The cause of our suffering. Good night and have a peaceful sleep. +Jendhamuni Sos

  3. Harit Doshi

    August 7, 2013

    Life is not suffering but its refinement. It helps us to be better with time. Sickness and other hardships make us better and more wiser and lead us to enlightenment. so instead of cursing the greatest gift we should be happy and respect it.

  4. Rob Robinson

    August 7, 2013

    Hi +Jendhamuni Sos , beautiful pic my fren :), I was reading a book called, 'The Road Less Travelled', I dint finish it b4 it disappeared, it's prob sumwher in all my books, anyway this book was written by a psychiatrist, I'm pretty sure it wasn't a psychologist, although it's irrelevant in this comment, & he used his case files as research. 1 thing th@ was stressed as a truth was the fact th@ suffering helps the spirit grow, & delaying gratification is another tool th@ I've came across in th@ book & via other means, I find delaying gratification 2 b helpful in spiritual growth, the worlds in a constant state of entropy, we can slow this down in sum situations, but I don't blieve we can stop it permanently. Alot of the wisdom th@ u post, is recognised as healthy in the fields of psychology & psychiatry. Thanx 4 the share my fren, may peace b upon u & ur team 🙂

  5. rollin jacksonjr

    August 7, 2013

    YOU GOT TO ROLL WITH THE PUNCH…GO WITH THE FLOW…YOU KNOW LIKE THE TIME THEM GUYS IN THE STORE TOOK YOU FOR THE FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR SO…YOU ROLLED WITH THE PUNCE,UH-HUH YOU TOLD YOURSELF THAT THEY NEED IT MORE THAN YOU!
    IS THIS THE SUFFERING YOU ARE SPEAKING OF?

  6. johnny conner

    August 8, 2013

    +Jendhamuni Sos Thank you for these inspiring words.  Impermanence – nothing lasts forever.  All objects are ephemeral, like a cloud which steadily disappears from view.  We mustn't become attached to anything here as if we could keep it with us forever.  This universe, and all it contains are transient and dreamlike.  One should enjoy this life without trying to possess it.  [This is my understanding]

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