Via Dhamma Wheel | Right View: Understanding the Noble Truth of Suffering

 

RIGHT VIEW Understanding the Noble Truth of Suffering When people have met with suffering and become victims of suffering, they come to me and ask me about the noble truth of suffering. Being asked, I explain to them the noble truth of suffering. (MN 77) What is suffering? (MN 9) Birth is suffering. And what is birth? The birth of beings in the various order of beings, their coming to birth, precipitation in a womb, generation, manifestation of the aggregates, obtaining the bases for contact—this is called birth. (MN 9)

Reflection The path to the end of suffering begins with right view because it is important to orient oneself in the right direction before taking any steps. The emphasis on suffering is not meant to make the broad negative statement "Life is suffering" but is to direct us to begin with our own lived experience.  Human beings suffer, and the texture of this suffering is to be examined before taking on the task of understanding its cause and seeking its solution. Daily Practice The process of birth is difficult for both the mother and the baby. All beginnings involve some pain, and Buddhist practice involves turning toward pain as opposed to our natural tendency to avoid or ignore it. Turn toward the various points of suffering arising in your own moment-to-moment experience and simply be aware of them—without resistance and without fear. This is just what is happening right now.  Tomorrow: Cultivating Lovingkindness One week from today: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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