The end of suffering that we can achieve through our practice turns out to be an end of separation from suffering. Suffering ceases to exist when it is no longer something that we experience as impinging on our life, as an unnecessary, avoidable intrusion that we finally learn to exclude from our lives once and for all… Suffering doesn’t disappear from our life but into our life.
Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness: A Zen Guide
What is here now if there is no problem to solve?
A glimpse Practice to be used for reflection. Maybe try it for the day. We tend to identify with our actions and our problems.
Loch Kelly, Shift into Freedom: The Science and Practice of Open-Hearted Awareness
It is not a matter of looking for happiness
or trying to avoid suffering
but of going to the place beyond happiness or suffering.
Ajahn Chah
I have dreamed of the morning
coming in like a bird through the window
not burdened by a thought.
Wendell Berry, The Design of The House: Ideal and Hard Time
The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don’t overlook all the healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life — the beautiful sunset, the smile of a child, the many flowers and trees. To suffer is not enough. Please don’t be imprisoned by your suffering.
Thich Nhat Hanh
When we wake up in bed on Monday morning and think of the various hurdles we’ve got to jump that day, immediately we feel sad. Bored and bothered.
Whereas actually we’re just lying in bed.
Alan Watts
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