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Desire causes suffering from "summary" of Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
The Buddha taught that desire is the root of suffering. This may seem puzzling at first, because we often think of desire as something that brings us pleasure, not pain. However, the Buddha's insight is that desire is insatiable. No matter how much we have, we always want more. When we are driven by desire, we are constantly chasing after something, never satisfied with what we have. This endless cycle of wanting and striving leads to dissatisfaction and discontent. Desire also creates attachment. When we desire something, we become attached to it. We cling to it, believing that our happiness depends on getting it. This attachment is a source of suffering, because it ties us to things that are impermanent and subject to change. When we inevitably lose what we are attached to, we experience pain and grief. Moreover, desire blinds us to the true nature of reality. When we are consumed by desire, we see the world through the lens of our wants and needs. We are unable to see things as they really are, because our desires distort our perception. This leads to delusion and confusion, further fueling our suffering. The Buddha's teaching is not that we should eliminate all desire, but that we should understand its nature and learn to relate to it differently. By cultivating awareness and mindfulness, we can see our desires for what they are – temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. We can learn to let go of our attachment to them and find contentment in the present moment, rather than constantly chasing after something in the future. In this way, we can free ourselves from the cycle of suffering that is caused by desire. By recognizing the destructive nature of our desires and cultivating a more mindful and balanced approach to them, we can find peace and contentment in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.
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