We think we have to deal with our problems in a way that exterminates them, or that distorts and denies their reality. But in doing so, we are attempting to make Reality into something other than what it is. We do our best to rearrange and manipulate the world so that dogs will never bite, accidents will never happen, and the people we care about will never die. Even on the surface, the futility of such efforts should be obvious.
In the absence of spiritual clarity, it is inevitable that our lives will be characterized by unremitting dissatisfaction. This is the Buddha’s first truth about our human condition. How do we deal with this reality? Should we pretend—or hope and pray—that those we love will not die or create stress in our lives, or that we can actually, live a hassle-free existence?
What will you learn in this live class?