His Holiness the Sakya Trichen (the 41st Sakya Trizin) gave this teaching at the request of Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, United Kingdom in 1991.
All of us, regardless of our background—be it rich or poor, healthy or sick, educated or uneducated, powerful or powerless—experience various forms and levels of suffering. The desire for liberation from suffering is universal, yet many of us are unsure of the path to achieve it.
Prince Siddhārtha, who later became Buddha Shakyamuni, shared a similar quest and ultimately discovered the solution, leading to his enlightenment.
In this teaching, His Holiness elaborates on the essence of Buddha's discovery, providing guidance on how to be completely liberated from suffering. If you share the same desire, and let's be honest—who doesn't—this teaching is definitely for you.
Source: This teaching was obtained from Meridian Trust.
"The nature of samsara is suffering" is a prominent theme in Buddhism, often discussed. However, many misinterpret Buddhism as pessimistic based on their own understanding. Contrarily, it advocates a positive outlook. Buddhism emphasizes understanding suffering and its causes as a means to overcome it and attain true happiness.
Consider, for instance, how young children, in their ignorance, consume sweets that eventually lead to tooth decay. Similarly, when eyelashes irritate the eyes, the person may not realize the cause. These examples illustrate how we often perceive certain things as "normal" or "pleasurable," when in truth, our lack of understanding of suffering's true nature causes us to unwittingly endure avoidable pain.
Seeking happiness is a universal pursuit, underscoring the importance of understanding its essence. This text serves as a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the path to genuine happiness.
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