This is perhaps the most distinctive Buddhist teaching, that suffering is the product of ‘the craving of the passions, the craving for existence, the craving fornonexistence.’ It is, however, far from an obvious truth. Certain cases of suffering areplainly due to craving, namely, those that are due to frustrated desires. Desires may be eased by satisfaction or extirpation; and one may allow that if one stopped desiring, itwould amount to preventing all the suffering due to frustration. But this does not provethe general case…. Body, feelings, perception, mentality, and consciousness are separate sets of graspings. There is nothing that -does- the grasping. -We- are the aggregate ofthe graspings, not something, apart from them, that does the grasping. This is an interesting and startling thought.
Danto, Arthur Coleman
How Our Desires Contribute to Suffering: Exploring the Role of Graspings in BuddhismDiscover the Buddhist teachings that link suffering to our desires, including the craving of the passions and nonexistence. While it may be easy to understand how unfulfilled desires lead to suffering, Buddhism takes it a step further by suggesting that our entire being is an aggregate of these graspings. By exploring the nature of our desires and their impact on our well-being, we can potentially overcome suffering and find a more balanced existence.
Table of Contents
- 1 This is perhaps the most distinctive Buddhist teaching, that suffering is the product of ‘the craving of the passions, the craving for existence, the craving fornonexistence.’ It is, however, far from an obvious truth. Certain cases of suffering areplainly due to craving, namely, those that are due to frustrated desires. Desires may be eased by satisfaction or extirpation; and one may allow that if one stopped desiring, itwould amount to preventing all the suffering due to frustration. But this does not provethe general case…. Body, feelings, perception, mentality, and consciousness are separate sets of graspings. There is nothing that -does- the grasping. -We- are the aggregate ofthe graspings, not something, apart from them, that does the grasping. This is an interesting and startling thought.
- 2 Danto, Arthur Coleman
- 3 Meaning of Quote – This is perhaps the most distinctive Buddhist teaching, that suffering is the product of ‘the craving of the passions, the craving for existence, the craving fornonexistence.’ It is, however, far from an obvious truth. Certain cases of suffering areplainly due to craving, namely, those that are due to frustrated desires. Desires may be eased by satisfaction or extirpation; and one may allow that if one stopped desiring, itwould amount to preventing all the suffering due to frustration. But this does not provethe general case…. Body, feelings, perception, mentality, and consciousness are separate sets of graspings. There is nothing that -does- the grasping. -We- are the aggregate ofthe graspings, not something, apart from them, that does the grasping. This is an interesting and startling thought.
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Meaning of Quote – This is perhaps the most distinctive Buddhist teaching, that suffering is the product of ‘the craving of the passions, the craving for existence, the craving fornonexistence.’ It is, however, far from an obvious truth. Certain cases of suffering areplainly due to craving, namely, those that are due to frustrated desires. Desires may be eased by satisfaction or extirpation; and one may allow that if one stopped desiring, itwould amount to preventing all the suffering due to frustration. But this does not provethe general case…. Body, feelings, perception, mentality, and consciousness are separate sets of graspings. There is nothing that -does- the grasping. -We- are the aggregate ofthe graspings, not something, apart from them, that does the grasping. This is an interesting and startling thought.
One of the most distinctive teachings in Buddhism is the idea that suffering is a result of our cravings. According to this quote, “the craving of the passions, the craving for existence, the craving for nonexistence” leads to suffering. While this may not seem like an obvious truth, it is worth exploring and understanding how our desires and cravings can contribute to our suffering.
At first glance, it may be easy to understand how frustrated desires can lead to suffering. When we have strong desires for things that are not fulfilled, we may feel disappointed, upset, or even angry. For example, imagine a student who desires to get an A on their math test but ends up with a B. The frustration of not achieving their desired outcome may cause them to feel disappointed and suffer emotionally.
To alleviate this suffering, one might think that the solution is to satisfy or eliminate desires altogether. If we can fulfill all our cravings, there would be no room for suffering due to unfulfilled desires. Additionally, if we could stop desiring altogether, we could prevent any suffering linked to frustration. However, this approach does not address the broader concept of suffering.
Buddhism suggests that suffering goes beyond just frustration caused by unmet desires. The quote highlights the idea that there are separate sets of graspings: body, feelings, perception, mentality, and consciousness. It challenges the notion that there is something external to these graspings that does the grasping. Instead, it suggests that we, as individuals, are the aggregate of these graspings.
This perspective is fascinating and somewhat surprising. It implies that our identities and experiences are the result of these various components coming together. There is no separate entity or self that is in control of these graspings, but rather it is our very being that emerges from them. This concept raises questions about the nature of our existence and the relationship between our desires and suffering.
To delve deeper into this understanding, let’s explore a few examples. Consider a person who craves recognition and validation from others. This desire for external approval may lead to suffering if they constantly seek validation but never feel satisfied. The suffering arises from the craving itself, as the individual relies on external sources to define their worth.
Similarly, the craving for nonexistence can also lead to suffering. It may seem counterintuitive, but the desire to escape or avoid life’s difficulties can become a source of immense pain. Imagine someone feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances and wishing for nonexistence. This craving for nonexistence can manifest as depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, ultimately leading to prolonged suffering.
On a broader scale, societal desires can also contribute to suffering. In a materialistic society that places great value on possessions and wealth, individuals may constantly strive for more. The never-ending pursuit of material goods and status can lead to stress, discontentment, and a sense of inadequacy.
While it is clear that certain forms of suffering are linked to cravings, Buddhism emphasizes that this understanding does not account for all suffering. By recognizing that we are the aggregate of graspings, Buddhism suggests that suffering may arise from a deeper level. It invites us to reflect on the nature of our desires and the implications they have on our overall well-being.
Moreover, Buddhism teaches that liberation from suffering can be achieved by cultivating mindfulness and developing an awareness of our desires. Through practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and understanding the impermanence of phenomena, individuals can gain insights into their own cravings and begin to break free from their grip.
In conclusion, the quote provided offers valuable insights into the relationship between suffering and our cravings. It challenges us to examine the nature of our desires and how they contribute to our experiences of suffering. By recognizing that we are an aggregate of graspings, Buddhism invites us to reflect on our identities and the impacts of our cravings. Through mindfulness and self-awareness, we have the potential to liberate ourselves from suffering and find a more balanced and fulfilled existence.
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