Johnny said: 1. ” But I believe most people would have in some point of their lives experienced a sense of emptiness and loneliness after or even while enjoying sense pleasures.”
2. “And because they are not exposed to Buddha Dhamma, they continue to do more of those worldly things which they think can ‘fix’ their problems.”
Very true in both cases.
They don’t know about any other way, other than to seek even higher doses of alcohol, drugs, etc.
That is very unfortunate. This is why we should try to spread the message of the Buddha to anyone interested. That may make a big difference in some people’s lives. One good thing about the internet is that any person will have access to website like this one and could be exposed to the teachings of the Buddha.
When one can experience the relief in following the Buddha’s path, one will never go back to alcohol or drugs. It will not be easy in the beginning, but if traction is made, that will change those lives forever.
Johnny said: “We often forget that suffering is our best teacher. It is like the entrance ticket to Nibbana.”
Suffering by itself cannot be the best teacher, unless one is aware that a solution exists. So, if one who is suffering is exposed to Buddha Dhamma, that could be a huge opportunity for that person. Most people who are suffering do not realize that there is a solution; they are just not aware of Buddha’s correct teachings.
Of course, you are correct in the sense that, for one who is familiar with Buddha Dhamma, “a suffering event” can be an eye opener. That could be either major life event for oneself or even to another, that clearly illustrates the anicca nature and the dangers in the rebirth process.