| The Buddha was interested in one thing and one thing only—suffering and the end of suffering. He described the main cause of our stress as clinging—our attachment to pleasures, views and opinions, rites and rituals, and views about ourselves. The larger problems of our world stem from these conditions. Removing this cause of suffering is the promise and possibility of our meditation practice. Sitting and walking in silence, meeting our inner and outer world with mindful awareness and lovingkindness, we can purify our minds and open our hearts. Gradually we can relax the tight fist of grasping and open to the happiness and well-being that is our natural state. |
