Joseph Goldstein discusses the links between suffering, compassion, and the concept of self. He explores the three kinds of suffering according to the Buddha, advises remaining open to suffering, and emphasizes the growth of compassion from allowing suffering in. He delves into the illusion of self and its impact on our thoughts and actions, challenges notions of separation, and examines our understanding of past and future. The conversation highlights the importance of examining our experience to see its composite nature and the connection between awareness, suffering, compassion, and wisdom.
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Quick takeaways
Suffering is inherent in existence and arises from attachments and resistance, emphasizing the need to recognize and accept its reality in order to develop compassion.
The concept of self is the root cause of suffering, as the identification and attachment to this concept lead to a sense of separation and dissatisfaction, highlighting the importance of letting go and cultivating interconnectedness.
Deep dives
The First Noble Truth: The Truth of Suffering
The first Noble Truth in Buddhism is the recognition of suffering. Suffering is present in both painful experiences and in the impermanence of things. It is seen in the suffering that comes from physical pain, illness, and unpleasant emotions like anger and fear. The first Noble Truth emphasizes that suffering is inherent in existence and arises from our attachments and resistance. By recognizing and accepting the reality of suffering, we can open ourselves to compassion and develop a deeper understanding of the human experience.
The Three Kinds of Suffering
The Buddha identified three kinds of suffering. The first kind is suffering that arises from experiences that are inherently painful, such as physical pain or social injustice. The second kind is the suffering that comes from the impermanence and unreliability of conditioned phenomena. When we attach ourselves to impermanent things in the hope of finding lasting happiness, we inevitably experience disappointment. The third kind of suffering is the suffering that comes from having to exert effort to maintain order and keep things together. By understanding the different types of suffering, we can develop a deeper awareness and learn to respond with compassion and wisdom.
The Illusion of Self
The root cause of suffering is the concept of self. The Buddha recognized that the idea of an inherent and separate self is a deeply ingrained habit of mind that leads to suffering. Our identification and attachment to this concept of self create a sense of separation from others and the world. However, upon closer examination of our experience, we see that there is no solid and enduring self. Our sense of self is a construction based on the identification with ever-changing physical elements, sensations, thoughts, and emotions. By realizing the illusory nature of self and letting go of this concept, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and freedom from suffering.
The Practice of Awareness and Compassion
The practice of mindfulness and self-inquiry can help us recognize the illusory nature of self and cultivate compassion. By paying attention to our experiences, thoughts, and emotions, we can see them as impersonal and arising and passing away. Through awareness and non-identification, we can develop a deeper understanding of suffering and open ourselves to compassion for ourselves and others. By letting go of resistance and aversion, we can alleviate suffering and cultivate wisdom. The practice of recognizing suffering, understanding its causes, and cultivating awareness and compassion is at the heart of the Buddhist path.
Joseph Goldstein investigates the links between suffering, compassion, and the concept of the self.
This dharma talk, recorded on July 2, 1994, was originally published on Dharma Seed.
In this talk, Joseph:
Breaks down the three kinds of suffering according to the Buddha
Advises us to remain open to suffering, reminding us that avoiding or resisting pain and unpleasant mind states only serves to feed them
Posits that compassion grows from letting suffering in
Proposes that we drop into the flow of existence
Asserts that the root cause of suffering is our deeply conditioned senses of self
“When we’re associated with what we don’t want, it’s suffering. And when we are separated from what we do want, it’s suffering. And this is the push-pull happening throughout our lives.” – Joseph Goldstein