VIDEO: Misperception is the cause of suffering- craving (the many shades of greed)
- aversion (many shades of hatred)
- delusion (distorted perception)
- fear (bhava, a form of aversion)
And all of these are based and continually dependent on ignorance into the Four Noble Truths. Self-deception, wrong-view, nescience, misperception -- all are offshoots of ignorance. While the proximate cause of suffering is indeed craving, the distal cause is ignorance. And the ultimate solution is enlightenment (bodhi) not simply generosity and renunciation.
Adyashanti explains it in this way: Have you noticed that all the ways we try to make ourselves feel better don't seem to work in the long run? Treating the symptoms is not the answer; only at the root level does change occur. Freedom from suffering is only possible if we clearly see its underlying cause. In this definitive, direct, and accessible satsang (in the presence of), Adyashanti explains the mechanics of suffering and offers a simple yet powerful way to see beyond the misperceptions that cause suffering.
VIDEOS
- Surrender or suffer (Adyashanti)
- A shift of perception (Adyashanti)
- Surrender as a path to enlightenment (Isha Judd)
- Shame, Guilt, Projection. and Judgment (Cathryn Taylor)
- How to do Loving-Kindness meditation
The practice always begins with developing a loving acceptance of yourself. If resistance is experienced then it indicates that feelings of unworthiness are present. No matter, this means there is work to be done, as the practice itself is designed to overcome any feelings of self-doubt or negativity. Then you are ready to systematically develop loving-kindness towards others.
