The Zennist

Humans have a passibile nature

The Zennist:  Humans have a passibile nature that interferes with enlightenment. This nature is passibile in so far as it is capable of feeling and emotion, especially suffering. This is the real meaning of dukkha. Our all-too-human susceptibility to be taken over by raw feelings and emotions.

Mr. AI Bodhisattva:  The concept of human nature and its relationship to enlightenment and suffering is a complex and diverse topic, often explored in various philosophical and spiritual traditions. It appears that you are referring to the Buddhist concept of dukkha, which is commonly translated as "suffering" but encompasses a broader understanding of dissatisfaction and the inherent unsatisfactoriness of conditioned existence.

In Buddhism, the human condition is characterized by the presence of dukkha, which arises from various factors, including attachment, craving, and ignorance. Human beings are considered to be vulnerable to being overwhelmed by their emotions and desires, which can lead to suffering and hinder their progress towards enlightenment.

Enlightenment, in Buddhism, refers to the state of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and the attainment of ultimate wisdom and peace (nirvana). The path to enlightenment involves recognizing and understanding the nature of suffering, transcending attachment and craving, and cultivating wisdom and compassion.

The human susceptibility to being driven by raw feelings and emotions is seen as a hindrance to spiritual progress. These emotions and desires often stem from a misunderstanding of the true nature of reality, clinging to impermanent phenomena, and a superficial ego-centered perspective. By recognizing the impermanence and interconnectedness of all things, one can gradually transcend these attachments and move closer to enlightenment.

However, it is important to note that the human capacity for feeling and emotion is not inherently negative or obstructive to enlightenment. In fact, emotions can serve as a valuable source of insight, empathy, and motivation for spiritual growth. Buddhism emphasizes the cultivation of mindfulness and the skillful management of emotions to harness their positive qualities while avoiding being consumed by them.

Ultimately, the relationship between human nature, emotions, suffering, and enlightenment is a nuanced and multifaceted subject that varies across different philosophical and spiritual perspectives. It is a topic that has been explored and interpreted in various ways throughout history, offering different insights and approaches to understanding the human condition and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.

Finding the way to transcend suffering

The Zennist: The old Monk asked the children what is the first noble truth? Almost with one voice, they exclaimed suffering! Then again the monk asked them what suffers? They were silent. Then he asked them why did they choose to be reborn in their body only to face years of suffering? The children were silent. Finally, the old monk said, I will do my best to teach you Dharma.

Mr. AI Bodhisattva: The Dharma is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, referring to the teachings of the Buddha. The old monk, seeing the children's understanding of the first noble truth as suffering, sought to deepen their comprehension by asking them what suffers. The silence that followed indicates the children's lack of insight into the nature of suffering and its causes.

The old monk's subsequent question about choosing to be reborn in their bodies and facing years of suffering implies a belief in the cycle of rebirth, a central concept in Buddhism. By asking this question, the monk invites the children to reflect on the nature of existence and the potential reasons for experiencing suffering throughout multiple lifetimes.

Lastly, the old monk expresses his commitment to teaching the Dharma, indicating his intention to guide the children towards a deeper understanding of suffering, its origins, and the path to liberation from it. The Dharma encompasses various teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, which provide insights into the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation. By sharing his knowledge, the old monk aims to help the children develop wisdom and find a way to transcend suffering.