Post by Identity on Sept 9, 2009 12:37:10 GMT -8
The main principle of Buddhism is that desire and attachment cause suffering. Without wants and "needs" attributed to things outside ourselves, we would be peaceful and free of suffering.
This idea helped me a lot during high school, when I was having problems with depression and having to deal with my family. However, as I grew up, I decided Buddhism wasn't for me. I thought, without wants, people wouldn't have done all the great things they had. Desire may cause suffering, but it also inspires beautiful art and scientific discoveries. Passion drives creation.
Now, as I begin reading Melody Beattie's Codependent No More, I'm reminded of Buddhism again. My desperate attachment to another person has directly caused suffering, on both of our parts. The more I wanted him to change, to take better care of himself, or to treat me better, the more I hurt. Anguish bottled up in me for so long after having experienced so much frustration at trying to change things I can't possibly change... I can see why the first "self-help" chapter in this book is about detachment. It really is at the core of my troubles.
I don't think you need to be Buddhist to find this teaching helpful.
This idea helped me a lot during high school, when I was having problems with depression and having to deal with my family. However, as I grew up, I decided Buddhism wasn't for me. I thought, without wants, people wouldn't have done all the great things they had. Desire may cause suffering, but it also inspires beautiful art and scientific discoveries. Passion drives creation.
Now, as I begin reading Melody Beattie's Codependent No More, I'm reminded of Buddhism again. My desperate attachment to another person has directly caused suffering, on both of our parts. The more I wanted him to change, to take better care of himself, or to treat me better, the more I hurt. Anguish bottled up in me for so long after having experienced so much frustration at trying to change things I can't possibly change... I can see why the first "self-help" chapter in this book is about detachment. It really is at the core of my troubles.
I don't think you need to be Buddhist to find this teaching helpful.
