When Buddha first taught he had five students, he said to them that they should understand suffering.
His first words were sincere.
He wasn’t attempting to make them feel comfortable; he wanted to help them find inner liberation.
To solve problems, we first need to recognise their origin.
We can attempt to convey that everything is OK; however, if we look attentively, we can see that everyone experiences challenges. We are all subject to uncertainty, sickness, ageing, and death.
This information is not deflating; it is the truth.
If we can start our practice with an appreciation that this is the case, a stability of mind arises.
We save valuable energy that we expend in projecting to the external world that ‘everything is fine thanks’.
We will develop wisdom, placing our mind in a position to solve daily problems, by looking within, and stability of mind that is not swayed by changing circumstances.
Our approach to issues will become much more strategic; empowering us to rapidly move beyond the minor frustrations of human life. We become able to cultivate an unbiased compassion for our fellow citizens who also share the same predicament as us.
Written by Adam Dacey
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