All of us do undergo suffering regularly... it is inescapable as
long as we have not freed ourselves from the cycles of samsara. And
yes, even pleasures and so on are dukkha.. because of the fact that
they are impermanent.
If we are aware... we will know that even in one day we will
experience so much unsatisfactoriness, frustrations, or fear,
grief, etc... we should practise mindfulness and be constantly
aware of our psychological process.. we will find that our minds
are so often stuck in dukkha. As we become more aware, the ability
of the mind to detach from them will become easier. We will
recognise suffering as it is... not try to reject it, nor just
continue creating more sufferings.
Here's a very good article, The Concept of
Dukkha
Excerpt:
What we have to do in this stage is, may I repeat again, to
recognise that there is Dukkha. Dukkha is there but it needs
recognition. It requires an acknowledgment. This is a starting
point. From this, we can go on. The Lord Buddha spoke in a very
clear and precise way. Dukkha must be understood, it must be
penetrated (parinnyeya ).
To understand it we must first be aware of the facts on which our
daily life is based. This awareness is called mindfulness or Sati.
With mindfulness, your mind will become contemplative, receptive,
and not impulsive, not rejecting. Then investigate the real nature
of that fact. This is called investigation of nature=Dhamma vicaya.
Both form factors of enlightenment ( Bojjhanga ). The remedy in
Buddhism is the Noble Eightfold Path. Each of us has to walk on the
Path on our own to get to our destination.(Paccattam veditabbo=the
truth is understood individually , one of the six characteristics
of the Buddha's teaching.)
The eight distresses of humanity:
http://www.jenchen.org.sg/vol4no1a.htm
The Eight Distresses
1 The Distress of Birth
Life begins in the womb of the mother. While in the womb, the
foetus is surrounded by darkness and its movement is restricted.
The pregnant mother-to-be, besides having to cope with hormonal
changes, will also experience increasing difficulty in mobility
from an enlarging belly, nausea and other discomfort, and
sometimes poor appetite. These sufferings culminate in the pain
that the mother has to endure in the birth process. The foetus, for
its part, has to leave the cosy and warm confine of its mothers
stomach, and encounter an unaccustomed rush of cold air into its
lungs. The cry of the new-born baby attests to its protest of its
uncomfortable introduction to the world, and is the beginning of
its journey to the many sufferings in this life.
2 The Distress of the Five Skandhas
The Five Skandhas referred to in Buddhist literature relate to the
five aggregates or components of an intelligent being, viz. rupa, a
physical form relating to the five sensory organs (eyes, nose, ear,
tongue, and body); vedana, the functioning of the mind relating to
feelings; sanjna, the functioning of the mind relating to
distinguishing or discerning; samskara, the functioning of the mind
with regards to decision or volition; and vijnana, the mental
faculty in regard to cognition and consciousness. These aggregates
of form, feeling, perception, volition and consciousness are
usually latent, but once ignited, cause a mixture of agony and
misery, creating disillusionment with life.
3 The Distress of Attachment
Human beings tend to develop strong attachments to their loved
ones, as well as to things material. When we lose any of these, we
often grieve, worry or become depressed.
4 The Distress of Hate or Anger
Feelings of anger or hate commonly occur in our interpersonal
relations. These could arise out of pride, prejudice or envy. Any
encounter with the people towards whom our anger or hate is
directed invariably brings distress, agony and misery.
5 The Distress of Unfulfilled Desires
Many agree that it is human nature to ceaselessly crave for more.
This craving or greed, however, causes frustration and sufferings
when our cravings are not met or our desires unfulfilled.
Especially, if we carry our greed to an unlawful extent, and when
caught, have to experience mental as well as physical
punishment.
6 The Distress of Illness
Chinese medical science categorises human bodily functions into
four elements - earth, water, fire and wind. Muscles, bones, skin,
flesh, organs, arteries and veins, fingernails and hair form the
earth element. Blood, urine, sweat, tears and other body fluids are
the water element. Body temperature and energy are the fire
element. The movement of air through our breath constitutes the
wind element. If these elements are not in equilibrium, illness
results.
7 The Distress of Ageing
As we approach old age, our health generally deteriorates. Weak
limbs, grey hairs, failing eyesight, loose teeth and dimming memory
are some of the common problems associated with old age. A sense of
helplessness and hopelessness frequently creeps in, and the old and
infirm tend to worry and fret.
8 The Distress of Death
All human beings will eventually face death, for it is certain. It
is a matter of timing. Human beings are afraid of death because of
strong attachment to worldly things; a desire for continued
existence; and ignorance of the essence of life or living. Death
then comes with a lot of mental suffering. If one has lived a life
filled with greed or hate, the negative karma thus accumulated will
lead to extreme suffering on ones deathbed.
In short, life is suffering. From birth to death, we are constantly
submerged in the sea of suffering. Only when we have realised the
nature of suffering and resolve to free ourselves by cultivating
our inner sentient being according to Buddhas compassionate
teachings will we be able to attain peace, dignity and freedom in
our transient life.
