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What is SUFFERING?

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'The eradication of suffering' is the central focus of Buddhism, yet outside the tradition 'suffering' is misunderstood to mean extreme physical, mental, or emotional pain. Since very few people are in extreme pain, they don't believe Buddhism has any value to them.

In Buddhism the term 'suffering' implies any [person's] state that is not peaceful.
For example, imagine you're out with friends after work at a tea or coffee shop. As you take a sip you feel/think it's not hot enough...or it's too hot...the flavor isn't right...it's too strong, or not strong enough...it needs sugar, or cream...or the cup is hot and hard to hold...or the weather is too cold...or you're recalling how your boss yelled at you during the day...thoughts about money problems...or your marriage...or someone just coughed in your face...or you've got an itch on your face...or back. You are 'suffering'.

Consider how often during any day you are NOT at peace. Peace is what religion is about- peace that comes by 'knowing the truth'. The 'way' or 'path' to peace is found in Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism (to name the religions I'm comfortable discussing).

Matthew

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