Food for thought over the weekend:
What is the cause of human suffering?
I think it is when we punish ourselves for feeling or thinking negatively. It is when we crave the next hit of joy or adrenaline and mourn it when it passes. Its when we expect to be happy once “X” happens and then it happens - but the feeling doesnt last.
We suffer because we cling to things that are impermanent. We live in the past and hope for the future, failing to ever truly enjoy the present moment, no matter what this moment contains.
4
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There are different types of suffering. Right now I'm thinking about those living on the streets, getting alcohol so they can numb the pain.
Ellatynemouth
Level 8
June 23, 2018
0
Greed. That's all. Nothing deeper than that.
memorylikeasieve
Level 7
June 23, 2018
0
I think humans are built with a fight or flight instinct that is for the most part unnecessary in modern life. We are constantly looking for the negative, or the 'danger,' as a survival instinct. But our lives are relatively easy and this instinct is now irrelevant.
My theory is that this constant instinctual need to find the negative or danger in our surroundings causes suffering. And in today's society it manifests as a manufactured suffering - thus the prevalence in depression and mental disorders in today's society.
Just a theory...
Hihi
Level 6
June 23, 2018
1
The continuous need for food and shelter combined with the knowledge of our mortality coupled with the ability of physical pain to be much more powerful than pleasure.
indirect76
Level 7
June 23, 2018
0
I think MORE human suffering is caused by those who are greedy and willing to do anything to anyone in order to keep whatever "power" they think they have.
The "powerful" do a lot more damage to greater numbers.
KKGator
Level 9
June 22, 2018
5
I totally see what you are saying here, there are many people in the world whose actions make lives more difficult or painful for others. However suffering is slightly different than pain or difficulty. Certainly people in pain or facing oppression may suffer, but others may not, in spite of the pain or oppression.
Perhaps it’s semantics, but from my point of view suffering comes as a result of your response to a given environmental condition. It is separate from that condition, and while the condition may make suffering more likely, it isn’t certain to happen. There are some people who respond to terrible circumstances with incredible attitude and spirit (in the metaphorical sense of the word). If these environmental factors were the said causes of mental anguish (see: suffering), then wouldn’t all persons subjected to those factors experience this suffering?
I am a firm believer that it truly cannot be said that suffering, as I have defined it here, is caused by external factors.
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