A Chinese poet once wrote, “How much suffering can one bear?
It is as much as a river flowing to the East in spring.” The sadness and frustrations in life can be really harmful to our well-being. When we look at society, it seems that everyone is trapped in unhappiness at some point or another. When one’s mind is depressed, it is like being possessed by evil spirits from which there is no release.
Some people are saddened by war and death or with the memory of loved ones gone. Others are depressed because of broken families, the loss of a job, or failure in school. All in all, when there is no hope or satisfaction in life, and when we feel short-changed or even bullied and cannot share the pain with anyone, we end up suffering in many ways.
We can easily see how many people suffer because of their never-ending troubles. Some cannot sleep at night because of gossip by others. A simple matter may bring endless misery and discomfort. A few unintentional, hurtful, or inconsiderate words may trigger loss of appetite and moodiness. Precious time in life is thus lost amidst sadness and frustration. This is truly regrettable!
Another Chinese poet wrote, “Even the largest boat cannot carry all the woes in the world.” It is an illustration of the prevalence and weight of life’s misery. But in reality, many people are simply getting upset over nothing. Most of the time, they are causing their own sadness or frustrations. Chan Buddhism teaches, “There is nothing to bind you; it is you binding yourself!” Nobody is imposing suffering on us. Most often, we are just bringing it on ourselves!
We can learn to use wisdom and reasoning to ease sorrow and unhappiness. The best way to do so is through faith. The following are some of the ways to reduce unhappiness:
- Be optimistic and hopeful.
- Apply reason in dealing with all people, things, situations, and matters.
- Learn to control your mood.
- Do not be suspicious; instead, trust others.
- Actively serve and help others.
- Face life openly and honestly.
“How much suffering can one bear? It is as much as a river flowing to the East in spring.” However, as long as we can be open-minded and let go of our attachments, sadness in life can easily become the source of our enlightenment.
