Confronting Life's Inherent Sufferings : หน้า 154/207

"Even though we may dislike difficulties and welcome happiness, there is no way to avoid suffering in our lives because life is a mixture of suffering and happiness. Instead, we should prepare for the inevitable suffering with a steady mind. "Human beings were born with inherent forms of suffering which include aging, sickness and death. Everyday these forms of suffering have adverse effects on our lives to various degrees. "Instead of realizing and being aware of this suffering, humans blind themselves even further with other trivial things. A person will trouble himself more to fulfill his desires, for example, to have a spouse and children, expecting that these will bring him happiness. "Other individuals associated with the person having these desires are burdened with the same inherent sufferings (aging, sickness, and death). Thus, once he marries, instead of being happy, he is burdening himself with the natural sufferings of his loved ones, including the suffering that may be caused by having to be separated from them at the end. "If you are married or have your own children, there is no need to explain the hardships that will come with your responsibilities. Even by remaining single, having to make a living, taking care of one's parents, a person barely has enough time left for oneself. After being married, one must play the role of spouse and parent of the children. Each role surely has a tremendous amount of work involved. Thus, everyday, the family life is filled with worry and attachment. "If you are tactful and articulate, you may be able to find some happiness in a marriage. Yet, one still cannot break free from suffering when death arrives. Being separated from loved ones is inevitable and renders great grief. If one wants to live a happy life, one must learn to be tolerant and to not burden oneself with unnecessary suffering. "Some people may think that this teaching is based on a pessimistic view. But, in truth, it is a realistic teaching which tells you how to deal with life situations. "The Lord Buddha was able to conquer all these sufferings. He taught that one can cope with unexpected suffering by mindfully preparing oneself to confront aging, sickness and death, habitually reflecting on the following aspects: 1. Knowing the purpose of life: Knowing that we were not born to live only for enjoyment. In fact, we were born to pursue perfections, to cultivate merit in order to break free from the sufferings of the samsara (cycle of life and death) by following in the footsteps of Lord Buddha to reach Nibbana. 2. Self-realization: Habitually reflect on the fact that it is natural for us to die. We have not yet gone beyond dying. We The Warm Hearted Family 306 The Value of Life The Warm Hearted Family 307 The Value of Life