Pain is inevitable

[cherydactyl]

The First Noble Truth declares unflinchingly, straight out, that pain is inherent in life itself just because everything is changing. The Second Noble Truth explains that suffering is what happens when we struggle with whatever our life experience is rather than accepting and opening to our experience with wise and compassionate response. From this point of view, theres a big difference between pain and suffering. Pain is inevitable; lives come with pain. Suffering is not inevitable. If suffering is what happens when we struggle with experience because of our inability to accept it, then suffering is an optional extra.

I misunderstood this when I started my practice and believed if I meditated hard enough I would be finished with all pain. That turned out to be a big mistake. I was disappointed when I discovered the error and embarrassed that I had been so nave. Its obvious we are not going to finish with pain in this lifetime.

The Buddha said, Everything dear to us causes pain. Those of us who have chosen relational life have made the choice that the pain is worth it.

-Sylvia Boorstein, Its Easier Than You Think, from Everyday Mind, edited by Jean Smith
Tricycle's Daily Dharma: February 16, 2008

Comments

[cornellbox.livejournal.com]

Yeah. This just seemed timely and fitting, and it occurred to me that I ought to let you know that.

I'm aware of the wonderfulness of feedback, and far too often I'm working without any, myself. So I've been thinking that I ought to at least try not to perpetuate that, and participate and let people know I'm reading what they write.

So, again, thanks.

[evalerie.livejournal.com]

Oh I know you! Hi!

[cornellbox.livejournal.com]

Aha; Yes, I suppose I do know you, as well. Hello!

[cherydactyl.livejournal.com]

I should remember that too. I have for the most part successfully curbed my impulses to comment unhelpfully when I disagree...but sometimes I have skipped over commenting on things when all I have to say is IAWTC/P (I agree with this comment/post). I will have to watch that and see if I could/should comment more. :)