In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering.
In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering.
Except this is a bastardization of Buddhist teachings. The Buddhist does not seek happiness by letting go of material desires. They seek peace, enlightenment, and release from suffering, but these are not the same as happiness.
Good point
It would be more accurate, although less compelling, if the word was “contentment.”
The accurate term is a cessation of suffering.
“Joshu stood in the market and said to the shopkeeper: seven pounds of flax. What did he mean by this?”
Work on that koan is my advice to you.
That is true. I couldn’t think of a word that meant absence of suffering. Since suffering can also mean discomfort or discontentment, I suggested contentment. It’s not a perfect fit, but I think it’s closer to the notion than happiness or comfort.
What single word would you use to describe the cessation of suffering?
I wouldn’t try to use a single word for that term.