..续本文上一页nsively citing historical references. He tried to understand what really brings us happiness. What kind of conclusion did he get
Like the Holy Grail in the Bible, supreme happiness can only exist in our imaginations. In other words, we can never attain true happiness in this mundane world. Such view is consistent with the idea that there is no peace in the Three Realms in Buddhism.
Therefore, we must realize that life is full of sufferings. Without knowing this, many people, including some Buddhists, will start complaining and blaming the God for their setbacks, “why am I so unlucky that all misfortunes befall me.” They do not know that the nature of samsara is just suffering.
Some may think, “Not everything in samsara are sufferings, there should be some happiness.” This thought is correct, however, in fact, all such happiness is temporal and impermanent, and can turn into suffering at any time. Just like white spots on a piece of blue cloth, happiness is the occasional ornament in our lives, not the background color.
Furthermore, some believe happiness comes from our sensations. Body contact, pleasing sound and beautiful things, can all bring us happiness. This kind of happiness, however, is very superficial, and sometimes can be obtained through drugs. True happiness will come from our inner minds. If we want to stay happy and away from suffering, we have to work on our minds with the great medicine of Mahayana to uproot all sufferings.
III. Different Ways to Get Rid of Suffering
So, how can we get rid of sufferings
1. The Poor Worldly Methods
I want to first talk about the incorrect methods of releasing sufferings used by worldly people. When facing traumatic sufferings, some people would indulge in alcohol, cigarettes or even drugs. I know a Buddhist, who told me that he could not stop drinking or smoking. Whenever he becomes fretful, he hides in a café smoking, goes to a bar drinking. He believes that being drunk can release all his worries. Is it true
The answer is certainly no. These behaviors can only make him more upset. After sobering up, he still needs to face the reality that he can never run away from.
Some may indulge themselves in sexual misconduct, Karaoke or Mahjong when in a bad mood, all of which are still a temporary escape.
Some may write down all their pains and then burn them. They feel in this way sufferings will go with ashes, which is no more than superstition.
Some would like to shout in an empty valley, bump head against the wall, or even smash all their bowls and pots, to vent their frustration and get relieved.
Even worse, some try to attain happiness by killing people. Recently in the US, a 17-year-old boy killed both of his parents. He then invited 40 to 60 friends to his home on Facebook, drinking beer all night, while his parents” bodies still leaving in the room.
Or, some would kill either themselves or their lovers after the breakup, or even kill someone similar as a replacement if could not find the lovers. I heard that one college student picks the girls on campus in red dress with long hair and kills them, as revenge to his ex-girlfriend for abandoning him relentlessly.
2. The Better Worldly Methods
In a better scenario, when suffering, some choose to travel, talk with a wise person, or see a therapist. They would also read some inspirational books, such as Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Chicken Soup for the Soul, written by an American writer, had been very popular several years ago. It has many short and philosophical stories, and is also fun to read. However, unlike dharma teachings, I feel it lacks deep pith instructions to eradicate afflictions. Nevertheless, it is one way to face one”s sufferings.
All these methods, like taking painkillers, can temporally suppress suffer…
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