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Peace of mind while the world suffers?

blueberriespleaseblueberriesplease Explorer
edited March 2011 in Buddhism Basics
What can I do to have a peace of mind in the midst of so much suffering and oppression throughout the world?
I feel like I've been given a very fortunate birth, but when I see others suffering throughout the world I lose my peace of mind and I dwell on their sufferings. Thank you :)

Comments

  • ravkesravkes Veteran
    edited March 2011
    You already have peace of mind. Just go with the flow and work with what comes in an intelligent manner.

    If the suffering of the world bothers you that much why don't you do something about it?

    I used to do the same thing and then question why I didn't do anything about it. Then I remembered I'm a broke college student, trying to pass my classes and do my own work to get by to survive. I simply can't help others at this point in my life. All I can do is help myself.
  • blueberriespleaseblueberriesplease Explorer
    Yes, I do things to help others at best I can, but I still get sad at the fact of the many people I can not help and who suffer in oppression beyond my control, especially those around the world. It accumaltes so much suffering, and disturbs me. Thank you for your words, it feels nice to relate to someone
  • WednesdayWednesday
    edited March 2011
    Despite the worlds suffering, I have a peace of mind. This is due to my skillful actions and a good dose of good karma.
  • ravkesravkes Veteran
    edited March 2011
    I know what you mean. I used to have a very optimistic viewpoint of life and ever since I started learning that half the world lives in poverty and even if people don't live in poverty a lot of their lives is just accumulated suffering.. I started to change that perspective. Now I'm more of a realist.. I figure the best I can do is support myself, help those closest to me and not have any kids so I can use my resources to help others who are already here.

    That's the plan. For some reason we suffer when we come here, regardless. So I don't think there's a point to introducing more lives if we have no idea why suffering happens regardless. Like I understand there's a way to end it and it's simple when we can see clearly, but for some reason it isn't that easy.. and people suffer life ignorantly..

    So why perpetuate the suffering?
  • sukhitasukhita
    Physical pain is dukkha.
    Mental suffering is dukkha.
    Happiness is dukka because all things are subject to impermanence,
    And happiness does not last forever.
    Clinging to the self, "I", is dukkha because all things are conditioned.
    Actually, everything in world is dukkha.
    The Buddhist practice is to free ourselves from dukkha.
    It's about changing ourselves, not the world.
    To change ourselves, we practice generosity, morality and mental cultivation.
    So, within this practice, our actions are wholesome.
    And that should give us some peace of mind.... I think ;)
  • SabreSabre Veteran
    edited March 2011
    When I start meditation I often say to myself: "I'm doing this for every living being." Because I know my meditation calms me and gives me valuable insights that I can use to skillfully and peacefully deal with other people and animals.

    So, as often said, to relieve suffering in the world you need to relieve suffering within yourself.
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