#type/zk/zettel #a/maturity/seed # [[Why suffering is a "noble truth"]] In Buddhist terminology, the fact that life is suffering is a “noble truth”. Why is this? What is so noble about suffering? #todo(expand on and structure these points) Footnote or external link: Buddhism tends to use big words to describe a certain concept that can exist on both very tiny and very large scale. According to Buddhist teachings, even the slightest bit of dissatisfaction is seen as suffering. There is suffering on both individual and collective level Without recognition of this suffering, there is no motivation to practice to overcome it. Many people, especially in the west, don’t recognize the suffering in themselves and others. The focus on suffering is seen as something bad: instead we should look at the positive things in life and embrace struggle as a normal part of human life. While it is true that we should look at the positive things and embrace struggle to reduce suffering. We should not say that suffering does not exist or try to ignore its existence. We should embrace suffering also. When we recognize the suffering in ourselves, we can recognize the suffering in others also. This brings about compassion. Compassion can alleviate both our own and others’ suffering. When we see a crime happening, we should look at the suffering of both the victim and the criminal. That way we can look at the full issue with compassion and find appropriate solutions. See also [[Why the notion of non-self is so important]], and [[Thich Nhat Hanh]] story about raped girl on the boat. If we look deeply at our own suffering, whenever we eat something unhealthy or too much, we will see the war we cause inside of our own body. If we look deeply at the suffering of others, we can see how some of our unwholesome actions can cause literal wars. --- Sowed on:: [[2024-11-15|2024-11-15]] Sources:: See also:: Related references:: Additional keywords:: Further reading::