RIGHT VIEW
Understanding the Noble Truth of Suffering
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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)
Association with the unpleasant is suffering. Whenever one has unwanted,
disliked, unpleasant objects of sight, sound, smell, taste, tangibles
or mind, or whenever one encounters ill wishers, wishers of harm, of
discomfort, of insecurity, with whom they have concourse, intercourse,
connection, union—this too is suffering. (MN 9)
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One obvious
form of suffering is having to deal with things that are unpleasant and
that we don’t like. This can take the shape of sensual inputs, such as
horrible visual images, annoying sounds, foul flavors and odors, and
painful physical sensations, and it can include mental images and
thoughts that are repugnant. Notice also that the text mentions people
who are difficult and even hostile as sources of suffering.
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Just as it is
inevitable that you will experience painful sensations in your body from
time to time, it is equally inevitable that you will come into contact
with people who are unfriendly and even wish you ill. This is an
opportunity for practice. It is a chance to respond to such people with
caution, yes, but also with equanimity, at least, and perhaps even with
kindness. Do not allow the ill will of others to provoke ill will in
yourself.
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Tomorrow: Cultivating Lovingkindness
One week from today: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering
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