The Problem
Our problems and unhappiness arise from a delusion. That delusion is a misperception. The misperception is that our happiness arises from outside of our mind. We believe that lacking good conditions is the cause of suffering When we believe this misperception we are consumed by uncontrolled desire and become attached to outcomes. Because there can be momentary sensory excitements, pleasures and successes, we become very convinced there can be lasting happiness and fulfillment outside of us. We become attached to these. But the rush of these quickly fade and are replaced by the continual search for fulfillment outside of us. We become consumed by desires. Our grasping desires and attachments never satisfy and fulfill us and create problems, dissatisfaction and unhappiness. In our unhappiness we self-grasp, becoming self-centered and feel separate. Then we turn to means that are unhealthy or destructive to distract ourselves from this feeling and our never-ending thoughts.
The Solution
Renunciation is giving up delusion and misperception. This lessens our problems. Renunciation is giving up attachment to outcomes. Ending our delusion, we end our suffering.
We tend to work on the problem, the effect, the external condition, the suffering. But that seldom resolves the suffering. Only ending our delusion and misperception – the cause of our suffering – ends suffering.
An impure world is only an appearance to an impure mind. A pure mind can only see a pure world. When we eliminate our delusion and misperception, we can not suffer. When our mind is pure, all appearances will be pure.
Blessings,
