Part Two
Chapter 3: The Root Cause of Suffering

The Root Cause of Suffering

Floating up from the waves of life's sea of suffering are cries like these:

  “If only I had more money!”
  “If only I had possessions!”
  “If only I were famous!”
  “If only I had more status!”
  “If only I had my own home!”
  “If only I had a sweetheart!”

And so on and so on. Believing that their suffering derives from some such lack, people set their sights on a nearby log or plank and swim for it with all their might—but will that get them across the sea?

The following anecdote may give food for thought. In a tropical country, an American was scolding a man dozing under a palm tree. “Why don't you stop being so lazy? Get a job and make yourself some money!”

The man looked up and said, “What do I need to make money for?”
  “Save it in the bank and before you know it, you'll have a big pile.”
  “What would I do with a big pile of money?”
  “You could build a big house. Then if you made more money, you could build a villa where it is warm.”
  “What would I do with a villa?”
  “You could go out in the garden and take a nap under a palm tree.”
  “I already am taking a nap under a palm tree!”

Such shallow visions of happiness are destined to come to nothing, as we can see all around us.