The goal of Buddhism is the attainment of nirvana which is unconditioned. The world of suffering is never other than this conditioned world which our present rebirth has brought us to. Let's not forget that the first noble truth is about the suffering of the five grasping aggregates (pañcupādānakkhandhā) which make up our human existence.
"And what, bhikkhus, is the noble truth of suffering? It should be said: the five aggregates subject to clinging [pañcupādānakkhandhā]" (SN V.425).
Despite the overwhelming proof that attaining nirvana is the real goal of Buddhism there are those today who are interested in Buddhism but not interested in the attainment of nirvana. These people expect Buddhism to help them deal with depression or other issues such as anger or drug addiction. They are looking for some kind of panacea other than attaining nirvana. Will it work? No, is the short answer. And why won't it work?
These people who come to Buddhism looking for help are lying to themselves. They come to Buddhism not for nirvana but, instead, to learn how to get rid of their problems because they sense, and rightly so, that they have almost become social outcastes. In other words, they are not liked by their peer group. They expect Buddhism to clean them up just enough so they can pass as being normal human beings and hopefully be liked by other people.
Wrong headed Buddhist teachers like to cater to such people as if to say, we have a panacea for you. It is called zazen. Just sit and all your problems will eventually go away as you become more Buddha-like! Did the Buddha actually teach that 'just sitting' will get rid of most problems? No he did not.
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