Is Suffering Really Optional?; Practices of a Bodhisattva #35Is Suffering Really Optional?; Practices of a Bodhisattva #35
The 12-Step Buddhist Podcast
Addicts are seekers. What do we seek? Transcendence. The mystical. The sacred. Why do we seek the type of experiences that are outside what we call ordinary consciousness? Rather than look for answers out of pure scientific curiosity, we're more...
25:17•14 Jan 2023
Is Suffering Optional? A Buddhist Take on Addiction Recovery
“If we have a state that we don't want, say suffering, you know, and then buddha says: hey well, you can't not want it, you can't resist it, otherwise it'll just make it worse through the law of inverted effect, right, as we discussed in the last show.”
Addiction often leads us on a quest for transcendence, seeking experiences beyond the mundane. But what if the suffering that drives us is actually optional? In this episode of 'The 12-Step Buddhist Podcast', Darren Littlejohn tackles this intriguing question. He dives into why addicts, who are often seekers at heart, turn to substances and behaviors in search of the mystical and sacred. Rather than just scientific curiosity, it's often an attempt to escape suffering.
Littlejohn explores the popular idea in recovery circles that suffering is optional, analyzing it through the lens of Buddhist teachings. With readings from Longchenpa and Alice Miller's 'Drama of the Gifted Child', he continues his discussion on the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, focusing on practice #35. This episode isn't just for Buddhists; it's for anyone looking to understand the deeper motivations behind addiction and how mindful practices can offer a way out.
Littlejohn emphasizes mindfulness, awareness, and personal mastery as key tools in compassionate recovery. He also warns against resistance and stresses the importance of understanding our condition to cultivate spiritual fulfillment. Whether you're new to Buddhism or well-versed in its principles, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for your recovery journey.
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