The second noble truth points to craving (tanha) as the origin of suffering. The talk describes three kinds of craving: for sense pleasures, existence and non-existence.
We usually view difficulties in our life as obstacles or inconveniences, but when we turn toward them as our path to awakening, the expression of our understanding is Compassion.
Emotions are expressed through a mood, body sensation, and thoughts. Mindfulness of these aspects is illustrated in the talk for desire, anger, sadness, and fear.
Conditions in our life are always changing and out of our control. We search for peace in the conditions rather than realizing peace comes from accepting that they change and ultimately, we cannot control the way things are.
As human beings, we often try to understand our experience by asking the question “why”. But instead exploring “what” is happening, we can come to know the “why” of the present moment which opens to an understanding of the cause and effect nature of experience, and points towards to freedom.
The voice of the inner critic is a huge source of suffering for many people. Learning to work skillfully with this voice allows us to develop an sense of respect and trust in ourselves that is essential for the deepening of our spiritual practice.
