Foundations of the Spiritual Path: The Second Noble Truth
August 31, 2026 | 6 CommentsAudio only version is here
Meditation begins at 13:25
Hello Wonderful Open Heart Project,
Last week, I began an exploration of the earliest teachings from the Buddha with some thoughts on the First Noble Truth.
This week, we move on to the Second Noble Truth: the cause of suffering.
What is the cause of suffering?
One answer is grasping. Grasping isn’t the same as having feelings, caring about outcomes, or wanting something to happen, it’s wanting things to be other than they are.
That distinction changes everything.
I’d love to hear what you think.
With love,
Susan
categorized in: dharma, open heart project
6 Comments
This was a tough meditation because I found myself clinging to ‘things’ I wanted in my present life. Kind of a dichotomy? But I attempted to come back to my breath. Thank you for the meditation.
I have never had grasping explained so clearly, definitely awakened some understanding. Thank you so much.
After a particularly emotionally fraught discussion with my husband (who has early dementia), with both of us getting louder and more frustrated, I stopped, looked at him and said “I just can’t do this,” and walked out. After ten minutes of sobbing in my bathroom, I realized that this was one of those raw suffering moments, and that my mind was projecting into the (unknown) future and seeing only increasing demands. I also recognized that I can no more experience that future in this moment than take a breath in advance of this one. There was so much fear – of his further decline, of supports I must provide, of my own possible inability to meet the needs. That fear was poisoning the present moment, which I think is part of suffering. Yes, this moment sucked. But it passed. We were okay. But to project suckiness into future moments made it so much more difficult.
Sending you love, Sue May.
It must be very tough on you both.
Nothing can remove the reality, but I encourage you to add some additional reality.. something that brings you solace, joy, or a smile..even if for 10 minutes.
With compassion,
Catherine
A Great reminder from our Wonderfully cool teacher on what a Gift it is to even stop and recognize our suffering and grasping for what it is. So many don’t people do not understand this.
Noticing, feeling, having the “Whoaaa” moments so that what we have come to understand through these teachings and implementing into lived experiences – we can see it for what it is with more gentleness and clarity. For both of these are required in this life and I have found can be enhanced with our practice.