The body is the source of suffering
One day, four novices sat beneath a tree to discuss on the greatest
problem of life. One of them voiced his opinion:" I think the greatest
problem in life is the desire for sexual satisfaction. If this cannot be removed,it is impossible to enter
the Path."
Another one spoke out his mind:" There is no
greater problem in life than food and drink. Once faced with hunger and thirst,
nothing can be accomplished."
A third said:" I think hatred and resentment
constitute the gravest problem. One thought of detestation opens a million
doors of hindrances which lead to unlimited retribution."
The last of them said:" Fear and uncertainty
are the worst. To live daily under their threat makes it impossible to stay
tranquil."
In the middle of their debate, the Buddha came along
and asked them what they were discussing. Having been informed by them, the
Buddha corrected their views:" It is very good for cultivators to gather
for discussions on what they have learnt. Although what you have expressed are
opinions with some element of truth, they are not completely true. In fact, the
source of all defilements is this body of ours which is the temporary
combination of the five aggregates. It is the root of all suffering, and that
is why we call it the container of afflictions. Hunger, thirst, heat, cold,
troubles, fear, sexual desires and misfortune exist because the body feels
them. Worrying and frets, fighting and harming one another, and even the
submergence in the Six paths of incessant births and
deaths are all substantiated by the body. To be alleviated from worldly
suffering, we have to attain total tranquility. If we
harness our craving, extinguish the flame of detestation, and moderate our
attitude towards the illusive externalities, total tranquility
will be attained in time."
The four novices who heard this discourse were
deeply inspired, and they henceforth ardently cultivated until they reached
saintly fruition not long afterwards.