Introduction
Suffering is omnipresent and omnipotent. Wherever exists human, there exists desire; wherever exists desire, there exists suffering.
Suffering itself is suffering for mankind since its powers, both constructive and destructive, are tremendously immeasurable. For within our society, suffering can be either the source for betterment, or the source for deterioration – this is an exemplification of the essence of inter-being (Thich Nhat Hanh, 1988); and within ourselves, suffering can be either an enlightenment or a jeopardizer. Then, whatever, from an individual being to a nation, and from a nation to the world, recognizes and practices righteous perspectives and attitudes should be capable of transfiguring suffering to something virtuous. One should note, that the ground of such transfiguration is the assertion of the existence of suffering. Anyone who is unable to do so, including the sufferers themselves, and the apparent non-sufferers, such as the privileged individuals and prosperous nations, can possibly threaten not only the fortunes of their lives, but also the
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Nonetheless, they have similar idea about the origin of suffering. In their understanding, the desire is directed towards not only the external advantages, but also our selfness, and eternity. Thich Nhat Hanh (1988) rose that a desire for knowledge, which is external to us, blocks our willingness towards truth; thus we will be suffering from ignorance.
Another type of suffering implied in the Heart Sutra is the suffering from the inability to perceive the nature of changes. Change is the norm of the universe, as well as the human world. If one holds on to a thought of eternality, that nothing alters and everything becomes eternal, then s/he should suffer from the idea of losing – losses of money, love, and
Wiesel explains, it is “easier” to avoid “victims” as it can be “troublesome” to be “involved” in one’s “pain” and “despair” (para. 8.) Wiesel asks us, “Is it necessary at times to practice it simply to keep one’s sanity, live normally, enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine, as the world around us experiences harrowing upheavals?” Wiesel's warning, if taken by heart, can save many individuals who face unnecessary pain everyday. As his speech concludes it acquires a more buoyant tone in the future as individuals. As a nation we have the decision to resist and evolve as a nation for the better of
Karen Armstrong and Robert Thurman wrote their essays, “Homo religiosus” and “Wisdom”, respectively, describing two words, “being” and “void”. These words, although have opposite meanings, describe the same spiritual experience that come about through different means. By definition, “being” is a kind of fullness or completeness of existence and “void” is emptiness or a negation of existence. Armstrong believes that “being” is the equivalent of the Buddhist’s “Nirvana” while Thurman believes that “void” is the equivalent of the Buddhist’s “Nirvana”. Although these terms seem to be opposite in the literal sense of defining them, they lead to the same outcome: not being at the center of one’s own universe.
It is a convenient and comforting respond to unfortunate and even devastating ‘fate’. The pain becomes bearable to those who suffer because it is all part of a bigger plan, it is more than ‘you’. This concept is also built upon an irrational fundamental attitude, “the surrender of self to the ordering power of society.” (54) The problem of theodicy does not end at that.
Drew Gilpin Faust, president of Harvard University, wrote the book “This Republic of Suffering” separating it in nine sections. The first section
According to Google, the definition of suffering is the state of undergoing pain distress or hardship. When others are suffering and we look away, we automatically take the side of the tormentor. During Hitler's reign many Jews suffered but no one said anything. Now Eli Wiesel who endured extreme suffering tells readers everywhere of the importance of speaking out when humans are suffering.
Even though people suffer, when it is noticed, others help them as much as
To convince sinners who haven't accepted christ to accept him, Jonathan Edwards most effectively appeals to man emotion through metaphor that are meant to reveal what could happen. “The pit is prepared, the fire is made ready.” The pit is referring to hell. Hell is hot and ready for the people who die without christ. The metaphor is made to scare people.
Philosophy: Schopenhauer’s Philosophy that Life is Full of Suffering Introduction Across the universe, nearly each person living on Earth will experience suffering at least at a particular moment in his or her lifetime. Suffering involves the pain people feel due to disruptions in an individual’s life, health misconduct or injury. Arthur Schopenhauer, the German Philosopher, suggested that life is packed with suffering, and this suffering is solid as a result of the individual’s will (Berger, 2004). This paper will discuss this argument and attempt to clarify why Schopenhauer perceives that life is filled with suffering and the way he considers that the suffering can be overwhelmed.
In Buddhism, desire and ignorance are the root of suffering; although, suffering is unavoidable but can also be a stimulus for personal and spiritual growth. Gilgamesh’s suffering also caused by his wants that can never be satisfied and his sufferings lead to his maturity. Although the Epic of Gilgamesh is written in the ancient time, we could still derive the lesson and apply to the modern day, because human’s fundamental traits are basically remaining the same. Buddhism principle of suffering and suffering explained in Gilgamesh are both relevant to our modern society. Nowadays our lives have become more complicated since things are taking more advance.
Everyone suffers. This simple fact of life has plagued humans for centuries, perplexing the wisest thinkers down to the most common among us. It demands an explanation, and history has granted us many - often in the form of religion. Buddhism revolves around the concept of suffering, attempting to explain its origin and how to break free of it. It teaches that no matter how righteous a person acts, they will always suffer until they fully achieve enlightenment.
Everyone has to face death. There are some people who fear death because it will take them away from their loved ones and rip them off what they have earned throughout their life, such as money, honor, and power. However, there are people claiming that they do not fear death since they have experienced many wonderful moments in their lifetime. Death sounds so terrifying because it means an end of someone’s life. Reading Epicurus’ “Letter to Menoeceus”, I will argue that a reason to not fear death is that we do not exist anymore after we die.
Even animals are in a better condition than us, because their suffering is not exacerbated by ambition and reflection. In the last third of this essay, Schopenhauer presents his thoughts on the origin and organization of our world as explained by Hinduism, Buddhism, the ancient Greeks, Judaism, and Christianity. This is where I found several factual flaws, and at the same time several surprisingly Biblical claims in Schopenhauer’s arguments. He begins by denouncing Judaism, saying that an all-benevolent God would not create a world full of misery. But according to the book of Genesis, the Garden of Eden, where man lived before the Fall, was essentially paradise on Earth.
Abhidharma and Madhyamaka use different conceptions of the Buddhist notion of two realities and truths. This notion posits an ultimate version of reality and truth, the realization of which leads to liberation from suffering. Abhidharma and Madhyamaka both accept this theory, but they approach it in different ways. This paper will outline approaches both schools take to interpret this notion. Following this, I will consider an Abhidharma objection to the approach of Madhyamaka and a response to that objection from Madhyamaka.
“The deep truth is that our human suffering need not be an obstacle to the joy and peace we so desire, but can become, instead, the means to it. The great secret of the spiritual life, the life of the Beloved Sons and daughters of God, is that everything we live, be it gladness or sadness, joy or pain, health or illness, can all be part of the journey toward the full realization of our humanity” Henri
I personally think that suffering helps us to notice and appreciate true happiness. If we did not feel pain, we would not realize how great life is. Aristotle implies we are able to control our happiness in this way. Once we have experienced suffering we know it eventually passes and life carries