The Teachings of Phra Rathapala on Suffering and Desire : หน้า 28/105

Phra Rathapala explained to the Raja that he had his own four reasons for ordination these having been taught to him by Lord Buddha. That in one's life there are two types of suffering: suffering that is unavoidable (past), and suffering that is avoidable (present). "All men are bound by unavoidable suffering from previous lives, and yet we still reach out and grasp at more suffering to add on to those from the past." These unavoidable suffering comprises: 1. That ageing is something that cannot be avoided. Those who are wise should be always aware of this. 2. All living things are mortal. Death is something no living being can avoid. 3. No one ever truly owns anything, for when you die, you cannot take anything with you. Suffering that is avoidable grows out of one’s constant desire for more. People with such suffering are those who hunger incessantly and are never satisfied. It is because they are a slave to their never ending desires. People want everything that they see, and even once they get it, they still yearn for more. *The Endeavours of the Arahatants to Preserve Buddhism* Buddhism has managed to grow and prosper to the present day, even though the Buddha passed away over 2,500 years ago. It will continue to advance further, ad infinitum. The following is what Lord Buddha taught to Ananda before passing away, “Ananda,