Forum Post: We All Seek The Same Thing.
Posted 12 years ago on Dec. 8, 2011, 10:26 p.m. EST by CompassioNateBuddha
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When will we wake up and realize we are all the same. I do not mean we all look the same or sound the same or even like the same things. What I mean is even more simple than any of these ideas. We are all human beings. We all seek a life of happiness. And we all seek to achieve this with little or no suffering. We have all felt the loss of a loved one and in doing so we see the impermanence of life. Understanding that nothing lasts forever is an important step on the path to inner peace. Once we have peace within we can work on creating peace among others. This forum is the perfect place to practice creating peace among us. We all have different political and social views. But when it comes to living a life of happiness without suffering, I do not believe anyone who would disagree that this is our main purpose and goal. We need to start with the most basic fundamentals if we are ever going to solve our problems. We must start by treating everyone with kindness. This is the only way to find peace within yourself. When you treat others with kindness and compassion not only will they benefit. But you will as well. Is it possible that we may all be able to see the truth in this simple act. We are all the same here. We are all human beings. We all seek happiness without suffering. How do we achieve this? Spread kindness everywhere you go. I do not believe anyone wants to be unhappy. We can work together no matter our differences once we realize our true connection. Blessings to you all.
Happiness is more likely if our basic human needs are met. I use Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a guide. We all share survival needs: to be safe, secure, fed, housed, clothed, and kept healthy. After these needs are met, we need social acceptance and a chance to learn how to make our way in the world. Then we need a chance at self-expression, and then self-actualization. Most people are lucky if their basic survival needs are met. These needs surpass ideological, etc., convictions. Even those who view the world in terms of absolutes, like the republicans, eventually discover that they too, have survival needs. We are all in this together.
My concern is global climate change and how we will navigate through that. When this issue becomes paramount, our current wealth disparities will probably diminish as we grapple with the crisis. The very rich may, with reminders from the rest of us, realize where their priorities are best placed and resources reallocated. Their fear of the masses will shift to an awareness of environmental crisis and better use of existing resources for their own benefit, if no one else's. They will be more willing to help pay for necessary changes in infrastructure like mass transit, green energy sources, "world peace through vegetarianism," etc.
I agree. Basic needs for every human is paramount. This is a must. But a wealth of material possessions will not make one happy in and of itself. One can have everything they will ever need for survival and still not find happiness. But having our most basic needs met is absolutely imperative. Thank you.
You're welcome.
What is the "soul of man"? Sometimes it's in contemplative pursuits and other times it's in concrete actions. Absolutist thinking denies the constancy of change in our world.
We are living in highly charged times. The theme of our message can include finding our "soul," whether very rich or poor, and not through an organized religion. If we addressed this, we could see beyond our polarized views. Every person, rich or poor (unless very troubled) wants to find that essence, soul, identity, or authentic self.
The problem is, the very rich are merely projecting their dissatisfaction onto the rest of us, as if it's our fault. How can we educate the very rich? Model what we want from them.
Thank you for being part of this discussion.
Thank you as well. I believe most if not all beings seek to have happiness without suffering. This is our goal. Once we realize the innate truth that we are all connected on the most simple and basic levels. Then we can work to achieve our goals together. We are kind and compassionate beings and this is the message we should spread. Blessings to you.
Say there is a gun and a box of ammo left in a field. Say you live in a subsistence community where reciprocity works, no one seeks surplus. You can choose to leave the gun there, or let someone else take it. Whoever takes it will have power over the community.
Well, we don't live in a subsistence community and there are lots of guns. Kindness can get you imprisoned, marginalized out of existence, or killed. We face martyrdom for a future generation that recognizes the powerlessness of people armed with linking arms.
Do you think utopian happiness without suffering is possible, spontaneously, without recognizing the artillery?
Peace is the kind of thing nation-states say they achieve by supressing their territorial enemies. It is war by other means. I don't seek this. Be real.
Or you can destroy the gun and remain peaceful as well.
You may believe that. But this is a false belief. Happiness without suffering is very possible. As long as you have attachment to things, they will always create suffering for you. Nothing is permanent. Will you wake up tomorrow? Will you make it through the day tomorrow? If you can guarantee this then you are wise beyond all belief. Nothing is promised beyond this moment. This is a fact. This can not be disputed. Attachment is suffering. Thank you.
My moments are longer than seconds. Even seconds have thickness in time. If you want to engage a political situation, you have to have some idea of history and future possibility. We are a people that own debt, uncertainty, and continue to act. So, light yourself on fire if you think that works, but look around first.
I do not believe it is necessary to light yourself on fire. I believe this was done because the individual felt as if there was no other choice. How bad it must be for someone to feel this is the only option. We still have options. Thank you.
How is non-attachment compatible with compassion, especially if passivity against violence only increases suffering?
How is it not compatible? Both serve to bring happiness to your life. Having compassion for others is very important in understanding ourselves. Having no attachment to material possessions brings great happiness. Nothing is permanent. If you understand this, you can give up attachment. When you must defend yourself, violence is inevitable. But violence for the sake of violence only leads to more suffering. Violation is only acceptable, from either side, when you must defend yourself. Never is it okay in any other context.
Then, we can defend ourselves against violence, mindful that we don't seek to perpetuate violence, seeking instead compassion and non-attachment to eventual happiness.
But long before every gun is destroyed, unenlightened people will continue to own them, and thus own our means to happiness...
It's fine to have an ideal, but we also need practical action to achieve it. Not only disarmament, for instance, but also prevention of sociopathy and ignorance is necessary.
Very well put. I like this. Blessings and Peace to you brother.
Yes, all of us except for me. I do not seek happiness without suffering, that is false.
My suffering makes me humble. I appreciate it.
I do not wish for anyone's suffering. However, suffering happens to the best of us, and this is humbling.
Yes it does happen. This does not mean it is necessary. I am humbled by others' suffering.
Well you are a rare individual indeed then. There are ways to be humble without suffering. I hope you find peace. Thank you.
Is there a point to this thread?
You must think so. You keep commenting on it. Thank you for that. Blessings to you and your family.
Unfortunately there are many different ideas on what is happiness.
Yes but only one idea of happiness without suffering. This can only be achieved by letting go of all attachment.
I'm sorry but you are wrong. Many ideas on what constitutes happiness.
I have seen your posts and I understand that you like to argue but I will not engage in such negative acts with you. Thank you.
Wonderful. I've seen your posts and I understand that you will tolerate no point of view different from your own.
You are dishonest. I hope you find peace. Thank you.
You are entitled to you opinion as I am to mine. Thank you.