Escaping Suffering

Xuefeng

The suffering of humanity originates from humanity itself; each person’s suffering stems from within. The operation of the Dao adheres to strict logic and order. The fairness and justice of the Greatest Creator are reflected in the operation of the Dao. Failing to recognize this ensures endless suffering and a perpetuating vicious cycle.

I am in my forties now and often observe and analyze examples from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and media reports. I then seek answers from the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, Laozi, and Muhammad, look for clues in the wisdom of sages and the evolution of nature, and finally ask the heavens and meditate in silence. In the end, I discovered the source and pathway of suffering. The conclusion is that today is a continuation of yesterday, this life is a continuation of the past life, and an individual’s suffering is entirely self-inflicted.

Reaching this conclusion is cruel for those currently suffering. How I wish I could say: “Comrade, your suffering is caused by heaven’s blindness, social injustice, an authoritarian government, the malice of people, incompetent parents, unfilial children, and so on. You are innocent, and your suffering has nothing to do with your actions.” But the truth is not like this. If we indulge in such self-comforting thoughts, we are no better than pigs—irrational madmen.

I do not wish to rub salt into the wounds of those who suffer, but I am even more reluctant to give everyone a bowl of anesthetic poison, distorting their hearts, degrading their character, and ensuring they remain trapped in suffering, never to escape.

Those in prison, the poor, the persecuted, the tormented, those without hope for the future, those unable to afford medical treatment, those struggling with tuition fees, those diagnosed with terminal illnesses, those affected by disasters—all of these result from transformations of cause and effect. Today’s outcomes arise from past causes, and these causes are entirely self-created. On the surface, they may appear to be external causes, but in essence, they are internal. This aligns with the philosophical principle: “Internal causes are fundamental; external causes act through internal causes.”

For example, if someone is hit by a cyclist, it may seem on the surface that the cyclist was careless, but in reality, it is something the individual invited. If one contracts AIDS, it may appear to be transmitted by someone else, but in essence, it was self-inflicted. Dying from counterfeit alcohol may seem caused by the distillery’s faults, but it is, in truth, self-inflicted. If someone is forcefully imprisoned by the police, it may seem on the surface that the constitution, laws, and police are overly harsh, but in reality, it was their own doing.

We should regularly ask ourselves: “What qualifications do I have to enjoy a beautiful environment and life?” “What kind of life do I deserve?” If we have been reckless in the past, do we deserve a life of abundance today? If we have never contributed to others or society, do we deserve to enjoy the contributions of others and society? If we have never spoken the truth, what reason do we have to condemn others for breaking promises? If we have never revered the Greatest Creator or respected gods and Buddhas, what right do we have to blame heaven for turning a blind eye to disasters?

We can find countless reasons to blame others—heaven, earth, society—but why not look inward for a single reason?

By examining our present circumstances, we can discern what we did in our past lives. To foresee our future, we can infer it from our current words and actions. If there is no savings in the bank, do not fantasize about an unearned, easy life. If no seeds are sown in spring, do not expect a bountiful harvest in autumn.

How can we escape suffering? Dishonest actions like cheating, stealing, robbing, bribing, embezzling, forming gangs, and committing crimes will only deepen suffering. Complaining, cursing the government, heaven, and earth, stirring up trouble, and inciting others only perpetuate the vicious cycle. Relying on others, flattering, speculating, or depending on power will only make life more unbearable.

How can we escape suffering? Focus solely on giving without concerning ourselves with the future. Focus on creating wealth without squandering resources. Walk the path of a regular person without pursuing extraordinary paths to godhood or Buddhahood. Live a simple, ordinary life without fantasizing about instant fame.

How can we escape suffering? There are countless ways, but the more anxious we feel, the more disordered things become. First, we must remain calm. Without calmness, it is hard to go far. We should accept the present circumstances with equanimity and then work to change them bit by bit. As long as we do our best, we will have no regrets. What if there’s no food tomorrow? If we have done our best today and still have no food, then we should calmly face death. If our child is admitted to university but we cannot afford tuition, we must honestly tell them: “I have done my best, but there is no solution. We must accept fate.”

Death is not the end of life, so why fear it? If we do not fear death, what else is there to fear?

How can we escape suffering? By revering the Greatest Creator, revering life, and revering nature. With this attitude, we will surely escape suffering.