This was not meant to be a two part post, but I got some quick feedback that made me realize it needed some explanation. So here goes.
Why do we strive to find comfort? Do we seek comfort above all else? What is more important to us, growth or pain-free living? If you look at the buying trends of Americans, the answer is obvious. Granted, this could just be proving my point that life is suffering and therefore we spend more money to get out of it than back into it. But wouldn't it rather make sense that if it is inevitable, shouldn't we as humans learn to adapt? Since that is what we are so good at. That is the strongest animalistic trait that we have as humans. We have the ability to adapt in our environment. In almost any environment, with almost any situations including paraplegia and prison and lottery winnings [min 5:30 of video], we can readjust to our surroundings.
Life is suffering. This is not a doomsday forecast. This is yesterday, today and tomorrow.
On a positive note, Life is good. I never said otherwise. For the most part, I enjoy my life. I hope you enjoy yours. I believe that life is to be enjoyed to its fullest. But my point is that life cannot be enjoyed to its fullest if you are trying to protect yourself from pain and suffering.
Risk. Opportunity. Possibility. Taking chances. All these come with a likely chance at failure. Love is lost is hurt. Marriage is vulnerability and pain (speaking from second-hand info, not experience). Learning has growth pains. Enjoy it. Find the good in it. Find the joy in it, because if you don't, you will forever seek a life without pain, and that life sounds worthless.
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For part 1, click here.
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3 comments:
I really like your conclusion. If your life consists of avoiding pain it is worthless. Thanks for the insight.
Man, you is talking Loco. Well, I must say that your first post was much more coherent than the second. I think you should re-title your second blog "murmurings of Colin."
I don't understand this statement, "Love is lost is hurt." Also, your discussion on marriage sounds like something an evangelical pastor would say about their marriage, and I find it generally untrue (from experience).
Also, I don't believe life is suffering, rather that suffering is part of life. This is what I think plato, the prophets and Jesus of Nazareth were all trying to communicate concerning their discourses on suffering -- it is ESSENTIALLY different from buddhism as what LIFE is, and is about.
Anyway, you rule for posting your thoughts. I must say that if you don't have a girlfriend yet, you are definitely setting yourself up for a good "Gothish" relationship with some girl who wears black, paints her toenails black, has rings in a number of different places, and hangs out in food courts at the Clackamas Mall -- where your discussions will always revolve around what is wrong with the world, whether their hair color represents their Aura, and whether or not hobbits really exist. The question is whether or not these discussions are really more meaningful than any of the discussions in any of your previous relationships? Just kidding, well, sort of. I know, I am a jerk.
Keep er real yo.
Ha ha, thanks S (by the way, do I know you?). And I agree that there is a HUGE difference between Buddhism and the other religions in their view of life, but I chose Buddhism since it had Life is Suffering is their number 1 tenant of truth.
And I don't think it is as gothish as it appears, but rather showing that this is reality: suffering. Why do we strive so much to get away from it and will do almost anything for comfort. Exercise is suffering is growth. I think they are all necessary. Agree?
Marriage I can't really argue cuz I don't know. But although I want a wonderful marriage, I have seen so many that are more struggle than not. And although worth it, I think that the struggles is heavily overlooked thanks to hollywood and the front that so many couples and families put on to cover up those realities. All of which I think is a travesty to all of us who are my age seeking out a marriage so badly while ignoring the risks and unwilling to completely weigh the risks while trying to find a solvent for the loneliness and desparation for love.
And I am a bit confused about your comment on meaningful discussions. Because I think that it is vital to understand your philosophies on the world depending on how you view the world and its problems. I don't think all is negative, but if you can do your part in your life to correct that wrong, shouldn't you? Isn't it more your duty as a steward in this life to leave it better than it was given to you?
Thank you for the insight and thoughts. I really appreciate it. Keep them coming.
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