Suffering

Why do we suffer?

As long as there is ego there is suffering. The belief of "I am" keeps us under the condition of wanting and unwanting. The holding of any belief as "mine" has the capability of inducing varying degrees of suffering.

Some forms of suffering are small and easy to overlook because of beliefs that have become habit: I am hungry, I am tired.

Suffering on a higher level occurs when our emotions take over completely: My girlfriend cheated on me with my best friend and I feel strong anger and hatred; My family died in a car accident and i feel extremely sad and angry.

If we react mentally and/or physically to our emotions, we remain trapped in the cycle of suffering and the same situations will continue to arise in this life and the next.

Even the belief that enlightenment, to completely erase any concept of self and sensual attachment, will take a greAt deal of hard work, gives rise to doubt and laziness, is also suffering.

Thinking is suffering. Life is suffering. It is all because of our mind the way we have known it (and ignored it) all our lives. Suffering suffering suffering...even realizing this I am suffering!

The BEST thing we can do is accept any suffering and acknowledfe its impermanence, the simple fact that it will not last forever. To react in any way will only increase suffering for us and others.

My guru says to think of it as a game and use a playful mind when dealing with everything. The only rule is karma.

Less ego = less suffering, and this is our best option at the moment.

Staying aware and staying in the present moment with our cameras on, observing our thoughts and accompanying emotions.

Being care-full of our words and actions so to not compromise ourselves or our karma...less ego = more thinking of others and doing for others = becoming free from our self.

In the Handbook for Mankind BB says that the first three steps toward right, selfless living, are:

Giving up belief of self.

Giving up doubt (that we are on the right path).

Giving up superstitious beliefs (gods, rituals, santa claus).

"There are no things at all, there is only emptiness, emptiness of self."

We are so very fortunate to have these teachings and tools for our use to become better human beings so that others may learn from our example and raise their awareness as well.