Reply To: Questions From a Beginner

#52110
HugoZyl
Participant

Namo Buddhaya

  Dear brother in Dhamma. There is much appreciation for your quick, kind and detailed responses. From where I am sitting, it says that you wrote that last reply at one o’clock in the morning. You certainly did not have to lose sleep on this humble beginner’s behalf. Thank you. 🙏

  Question 4: Due to my ignorance, I find the article on the wrong interpretations of anicca, dukkha and anatta difficult to follow. You share that anicca is not impermanence but ”Nothing in this world can be maintained to one’s satisfaction (anicca).” What is the difference between that quote and impermanence? All beings want satisfaction. No being can maintain the world to his satisfaction. Thus, in one word, ”impermanence”. 

  Question 5: From the same article, translating ”anatta” to ”no-self” is a poor translation, yes, and people who have only heard of the Buddhist concept are confused thereby, but dedicated practitioners, for the most part, understand perfectly well that it means the same as explained in the article. To use a comparison: peanuts are not nuts. All biologists know this. Some average people may perhaps not know it but that is not a problem. We do not have to rename ”peanuts”.

  Question 6: Same article, ”Thus if a headache becomes impermanent (i.e., if it goes away,) that will lead to happiness. Thus, impermanence does not necessarily lead to suffering.” But happiness is suffering, is it not? 

  Question 7: Would you please share your opinion about following situation. I recently went to the hospital where they took blood. I was very scared of the needle, and as it entered my flesh, I prayed that the Buddha would have mercy on me. I sweated a lot and felt nauseous. What does this say about my mental state?

  Once again, A thousand thanks to all who turn the wheel of the Dhamma with patience, understanding and kindness. May all reach the other shore. ☸️

Namo Buddhaya