Why is there suffering in Buddhism?

Answer 1

The principal teachings of Gautama Buddha can be summarised in what the Buddhists call the 'Four Noble Truths':

First - There is suffering and misery in life.

Second- The cause of this suffering and misery is desire.

Third - Suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire.

Fourth - Desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path.

Answer 2

"I am the owner of my karma .

I inherit my karma.

I am born of my karma.

I am related to my karma.

I live supported by my karma.

Whatever karma I create, whether good or evil, that I shall inherit."

The Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya V.57 - Upajjhatthana Sutta According to the four noble truths, you cause your own suffering by attachment, anger, and ignorance. For further information, see the page link, further down this page, listed under Related Links.

Answer 3

In the broadest of terms, we feel that the cause of suffering is desires or cravings for things that we can't have or things that won't happen. For example, when a person dies, we suffer because we had a desire for the impossible, we wanted our friend to live forever, which wasn't possible.

Answer 4

Suffering exists because of our desires (cravings), aversions and ignorance.

Now it should be explained that the Pali word the Buddha used is Dukkha. As in all translations some words can't be translated one-to-one from one language to another. Dukka in Pali suggests a basic unsatisfactoriness with life, due to the fact that our lives are impermanent and constantly changing. So it means unease, disquiet, stress, not really suffering, but suffering sort of captures the overall meaning the Buddha was trying to describe in English.

The Buddha explained that our suffering doesn't come from without, but from within. That our desire to be taller, shorter, richer, cooler, drive a better car, live in a different place, etc. (Desires) drives us to be unhappy. Also the fact that we think life should be pain free, without fear and want (aversions) makes us unhappy. Finally not realizing how the world actually is and how it really works (ignorance) makes us unhappy. All these things are controlled within our mind.

Think of this example, two people are waiting for a late bus, one is fuming, and the other is whistling a happy tune. Why? The bus is late for both, but one is suffering, the other is not. Is the bus the problem or the person who is mad over something they can't control? Is getting mad going to make the bus come any faster?

Finally, there is a mantra I use to help remind me of how our minds control how we react. It is:

All experience is preceded by mind, Led by mind, Made by mind.

Speak or act with a corrupted mind, and suffering follows as the wagon wheel follows the hoof of the ox.

All experience is preceded by mind, Led by mind, Made by mind.

Speak or act with a peaceful mind, and happiness follows like a never-departing shadow.

Answer 5

Buddhist believe that suffering is caused by a personâ??s craving, wants, or desires. One suffers because they want something that is impossible for them to have.

Answer 6

Attachment/desire as long as you want more and fear losing what you have there is suffering.

Answer 7

There is no suffering in Buddhism. Buddhism offers an end to suffering. Other religions see suffering as a purifying thing, Buddhism seesit as a problem which must be overcome.

Answer 8

Desire