On 11/27/2012 4:40 PM, Joe wrote:
Originally, it's: "Life is Dukha". A wagon wheel that is mounted
eccentrically on an axle is also "dukha", so "Life is Dukha" may mean
that life is "off-center" as lived by beings who are not quite awake.
Such a life will always seem unsatisfactory (some translators call
that "Suffering"; oh, well) to the being.
That is an interesting point: in the original, it might not even mean
what we would think of as suffering. Still, the examples given in
context suggest, at least to me, that 'suffering' is close to the
intended meaning. Edgar's distinction between physical and mental
suffering also seems apposite, though, given that distinction, physical
suffering remains an inherent aspect of physical existence.
"Work out your OWN salvation with diligence".
Ironic you should mention that, as it is the very reference I recently
cited to Edgar, as supporting my view that the Bodhisattva Vow is
presumptuous and a dubious doctrine. At any rate, my choice to eschew
that vow is why I don't call myself a Buddhist, in spite of my sincere
gratitude for his elucidation of the Way.
"resolution" is that there is no resolution TO BE MADE -- and no
resolution is Reasonable -- because the two points are observations
made from different perspectives: the one is from Samsara (the realm
of not-awake-ness); and the other is from the point of view of someone
who is awake.
Thank you for an excellent response.
RAF
