Why Do Buddhists Believe That All Suffering Is in the Mind?
It is not the events of our lives that cause us to suffer, but rather how we relate to these events that lead to suffering. This wise statement by Pema Ch?dr?n highlights the seminal concept in Buddhism: suffering is mind-originated. This article will explore this belief in detail, delving into the psychological underpinnings and the practical implications of this perspective.
The Psychology of Suffering
Psychologically speaking, 95% of our emotions arise from our subconscious emotional patterns. These patterns are essentially the inputs to our brain, and changing these inputs can shift the output—our emotions and reactions. Thus, happiness is a state of mind, and it is generated internally. Acknowledging this fact challenges the notion that external events dictate our emotional states.
Understanding Suffering from a Buddhist Perspective
In Buddhist philosophy, suffering (lossa or dukkha) is not an objective reality; it is perceived due to our conscious awareness of life. All mental volitions, sensations, sufferings, and joys arise from our mental constructs of the world. Fear, anger, joy, and pain, much like everything else, are transient phenomena that naturally arise and pass. The fundamental belief is that everything comes into being and passes away, and all suffering stems from the mind.
The Nature of Mind and Suffering
The mind, by its very nature, tends to suffer. This is why Buddhists view themselves as a part of all sentient beings. The belief is that to understand and accept this truth is the first step on the path to becoming-like-the-Buddha (Buddhist path). Viewing suffering merely as an imaginative concept is a misinterpretation and a misconception of both the nature of suffering and Buddhism itself.
Buddhists see suffering as originating from our conscious awareness of life. All thoughts, feelings, and sensations that arise as a result of this awareness contribute to our experience of suffering. Fears, anger, lust, hatred, love, and other emotions are just transient states of consciousness that arise and subside. By changing our attitude towards living benevolently, we can reduce feelings of suffering and pain.
Attachment as the Root of Suffering
The true source of suffering, according to this perspective, is not external events, but our attachment to them. Reflect on a past or present instance of suffering. If you were not attached to the situation, would you still feel the same level of suffering? For example, if someone else is in pain, why should you suffer because of it? The missing link is the individual's attachment to their own circumstances, which determines their attitude and thus their experience of suffering.
Conclusion: A Deeper Understanding
This statement, while oversimplified, encapsulates a core Buddhist belief: that all suffering is mind-originated. Words can only convey an approximation of the ultimate truth, but they are powerful tools for understanding and transforming our experiences. In essence, all suffering is in the mind in both a literal sense (our conscious awareness of reality) and a figurative sense (our attachments and perceptions).
Ultimately, the path to alleviating suffering lies in changing our attitudes and perceptions. By cultivating a more compassionate and enlightened mindset, we can alleviate suffering not only for ourselves but also for others. The journey to becoming-like-the-Buddha begins with understanding the mind and its nature.
Living in the real world, Buddhists acknowledge that physical pain, such as stubbing a toe, is indeed a real and tangible pain. However, the suffering associated with it arises from our attachment and perception of that pain, not the pain itself.
Keywords: Buddhism, Suffering, Mind, Consciousness, Attitude