Blessings Brothers and Sisters....
Blog number four.. here we go.... This time I'll be quite briefly discussing Suffering: why we need it, and why we should be grateful even for our painful experiences.
Suffering takes many forms, but is typically an unpleasant and painful feeling. This does not necessarily mean that suffering is a bad thing though. When looking at Buddha's teachings, we come to understand that one of the primary causes of suffering is due to the fact that people are generally desirous.
The fact that we desire something is to say we are not satisfied with the present moment or our present situation. Often when a desire is apparently satisfied, we are not. We find something else to become the object of desire, further denying the perfection of the Present, of the NOW moment. One desire after the next, we are never satisfied, and never truly happy, forever in a state of suffering.
To transcend this form of suffering, we have to recognize the beauty of the Present, and that we have all that we need. Rich or poor, solitary or surrounded by friends, Happiness comes with contentment and acceptance of what IS.
Suffering, as I mentioned, is not all bad. It has the power to bring people together and opens the door for great changes to be made in one's Life. Most of us have experienced the death of a friend or family member. This can be an incredibly painful thing to come to terms with, but observe how people come together to Love and support one another during such a difficult time. The bonds between people strengthen and they come to see Life with a clearer perspective and greater appreciation.
In times of suffering, people are more inclined to seek help or to grow themselves spiritually so they can transcend their suffering. During difficult times we spend greater amounts of time in meditation, but when things seem to be going well, we spend less time doing so. I would like to add that this has an adverse effect on one's spiritual evolution. Meditation should be a frequent practice regardless of how great or terrible life seems to be at any given moment.
Suffering causes us to make changes, and strengthens us as human beings. All of our experiences, good and bad, have brought us to this very point in our Lives, to this perfect moment that is NOW. For this we must be grateful.. Had it not been for our painful, as well as joyous, times in our Lives, we would not be the person that we are today. Some might say that they do not like who they are today...Well let me remind you that you are perfect and beautiful in every way, regardless of what you may think. If you are unhappy with who you think you are, or with your current state of suffering, then realize that you have an infinite power and potential to manifest change in your Life. The greater the suffering, the greater the potential learn and grow beyond it.
As 2008 comes to a close, express your gratitude for all the year's experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant. Allow yourself to let go of any pain attached, whether it be mental, emotional, or physical pain, making space for new and wonderful experiences ahead in 2009.
This has just been a short message this time round, but as always, i sincerely hope you enjoyed reading it.
May you all have a blessed Christmas and New Year, All the best for 2009
Your Brother in Light and Love
Ryan | |
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