Seeing suffering with awakened eyes

A person who is running out of energy, is overwhelmed by emotions, and trying to solve the problem will not only not solve the problem but can make the situation worse. The Buddha advised us, there are times when we should leave the things we don’t like, don’t interfere. At that time, the Buddha taught us to practice “doing nothing”, that is, doing nothing.

This means that we are not facing the outside but turning inward to do. I don’t strain my brain to solve the problem anymore, I stop. But stopping does not mean giving up, stop to change the situation, control negative energy, take care of my wound so that the mind reaches the most stable and balanced level, then think about solving the problem. subject.

In each of us there are many different levels of consciousness, sometimes in a state of confusion, sometimes in a brighter state and then again in a hazy state, sometimes half-awake, sometimes lucid. When the mind is clear, we can see many things. The Buddha advised us not to use a confused mind to solve suffering. Because maybe we will make the wrong decision.

A Zen master said that this life is very difficult. We cannot clean up all the thorns. The best way is to buy yourself a good pair of shoes to be able to walk on each of those thorns. Those shoes are endurance, the eyes of awakening. When we have returned to ourselves, when we are no longer running to find objects to punish, to blame, to blame, we have brought the mind back, that is, we have begun to establish awareness.

Through the eyes of awareness we realize that, in addition to the unsatisfactoriness and difficulties that surround us, we know that for too long we have identified our entire being with the present suffering. I was too attached to that unwelcome thing. Buddha said that is the wrong way to do it because you can never take out all your problems, one difficulty will be another. You need to realize that desirable things are present, that is the condition for happiness, and the mind begins to be happy.

You have many extraordinary powers, many treasures, only you can return to find peace and serenity in your soul. You still have a healthy body, health, intelligence, work, and loved ones… that’s what you want. Why should we not pay attention to these desirable things but instead focus on unsatisfactory things for suffering?

The reason we suffer is because we keep focusing on the unsatisfactory things and forget to return to cherish the good things that we have.

Transform suffering to find joy again

If anyone is suffering, stuck, learn how to transform that suffering. In the method of transforming suffering, Master Minh Niem shares 4 steps:

Step 1: Identify. When negative emotions arise, promptly identify “my anger”. Having obtained this step, “mind free from suffering”. The Buddha advised us to “go back” and see what is going on inside our mind, what is that anger?

Step 2: Acceptance. Once identified, allow it to happen, don’t try to stop it because it’s a flowing, unstoppable waterfall. The more you try to block, the more angry you will be, the more miserable you will be. Step back, stand to one side and watch the anger unfold.

Step 3: Test. Sit down, stop, return to your breath, calm your mind and ask why are we angry, why are we angry at that person? Do we have a prejudice against this person? You always have to ask if they have a problem or you have a problem to find the cause. If I’m strong, the opponent’s bad words and actions won’t be able to make me fall. If we are angry, our mind is weak.

Step 4: Disagree and observe. Continue to observe your mind but stop identifying with anger. Let’s step back, see the pain and suffering as a phenomenon, and separate ourselves from the anger. That is, when we get out of the control of anger and afflictions, suffering will not form.

Master Minh Niem

(Excerpt from a Dharma talk Seeing suffering with awakened eyes)