After receiving some comments from the list, I realize
that it may help if we elaborate some more on dukkha
(to the convulsions of those who really know, and
consequently do not speak; oh, how deeply they despise
us who don't know, yet dare to speak up!)
The Buddha introduced dukkha as a bulwark against the
prevailing attitude that life-and-death cycle is,
after all, a pretty good proposition. In other words,
most people have a tendency to think: "Yeah, I know,
life sucks. Yes, I get it. But hey, if I play my cards
right, maybe, just maybe, it'll be worth it in the
end!"
This is a deadly attitude according to the Buddha's
teaching. There is nothing worth fighting for in
samsara. The Buddha admonished us that we need to
rebuke it. Realize that it is nothing but suffering,
no matter how depressed you may get from realizing
that, cut your losses, and move on.
Saying that dukkha is more than suffering hardly adds
much to it. Dukkha's primary purpose is to act as a
repellent and a motivator that would propel us towards
the serious practice.
Yes, we can try to mystify it some more, to turn it
into a more interesting bargain and such, but it
really is not possible to endow it with any more
mystique. It is as plain as that -- life is suffering,
there is no way that anyone could play their cards
right and beat the system, so get over it and get on
with the practice.
Just thought I'd add up some more of my worthless
cents.
Alex
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