人々（衆生）は苦に住している
People (sentient beings) dwell in suffering
2023-07-06 17:30:37
People (sentient beings) are said to dwell in suffering. At the same time, Buddhism teaches that everyone has a path to escape from their suffering on their own.
Nevertheless, many people seem to not consider escaping from this suffering.
Why do you think that is?
The reason for this is likely because there is a perception that escaping from suffering requires a long period of intense practice or that the practice itself is arduous.
Furthermore, in practical terms, people are generally content with their daily lives and may not feel the necessity to seek enlightenment through adventurous means.
Now, it's often said that where there is suffering, there is happiness, indicating the perceived opposition between suffering and happiness. In other words, it is argued that there is no happiness that does not presuppose suffering.
However, true happiness can exist independently and is, of course, considered non-illusory, referred to as Nirvana. And it is taught that no ascetic practices are necessary (ascetic practices are futile) to attain this state of happiness.
Now, it's often said that where there is suffering, there is happiness, indicating the perceived opposition between suffering and happiness. In other words, it is argued that there is no happiness that does not presuppose suffering.
However, true happiness can exist independently and is, of course, considered non-illusory, referred to as Nirvana. And it is taught that no ascetic practices are necessary (ascetic practices are futile) to attain this state of happiness.
In essence, it is argued that anyone, if determined, can progress in their spiritual practice alongside enjoyment and prosperity, and potentially reach the state of happiness (= Nirvana) during their lifetime.
Upon hearing this, one might expect that many people would be eager to engage in Buddhist practice. However, the actual number of people actively pursuing Buddhist practice seems to be extremely low.
Why do you think that is?
The primary reason for this is likely the disbelief in the teachings of Buddhism as outlined above. In essence, it comes down to the judgment that such a good deal cannot possibly exist.
Alternatively, there are also quite a few who doubt the effectiveness of Buddhism, knowing that the number of individuals who have actually attained enlightenment through Buddhist practice seems to be extremely low. This judgment is based on the pragmatic view that reaching enlightenment is akin to winning the lottery, with only a minimal chance of success.
Another societal reason could be attributed to the historical development of humanity, where environments conducive to feeling reasonably happy have been established for most individuals. This reflects a judgment of maintaining the status quo, where the happiness derived from societal contributions seems more realistic and certain than personal enlightenment.
In essence, it may be that in modern times, there is simply no inclination to actively pursue this antiquated and incomprehensible state known as Nirvana.
As a result, even in the modern era, which has passed about two and a half millennia since the time of the Buddha, people (sentient beings) still find themselves unable to escape dwelling in suffering.
While many people appreciate novelty, their willingness to embrace change is often limited to what they feel comfortable with. However, the enlightenment in Buddhism entails such a monumental transformation that it is unimaginable for sentient beings to become Buddhas overnight. Moreover, there is no going back. Therefore, some individuals may find the idea of undergoing such a drastic change scarier than permanently relocating to a foreign land where they know nothing.
And thus, this deep-seated fear may be considered as the fundamental factor that keeps people (sentient beings) dwelling in suffering indefinitely.
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