In the First Noble Truth. Did Buddha say “Life is Suffering”?

Furthermore, bhikkhus, this is the Noble Truth of dukkha: 

• Birth is dukkha,
• Old age is dukkha, 
• sickness is dukkha, 
• Death is dukkha,

• association with what is disliked is dukkha,
• dissociation from what is liked is dukkha,
• not to get what one wants is dukkha; 

• in short, the five aggregates of attachment are dukkha.

The above is a direct translation of the ancient Pali sutta. The Buddha did not literally say life is suffering. That statement, “Life is Suffering,” was an oversimplification of the aforesaid verse.

The pro of that oversimplified summary is that it resonated with people who are experiencing pain in life and that might create an opportunity for them to explore what Buddhism has to offer. On the other hand, it can put many people off because it sounds extremely pessimistic and dark; and many people cannot relate to it.

If we read the verse carefully, we will discover that the Buddha was simply explaining the Truth about Dukkha. This was a logical beginning for his first discourse because he defined the problems that led him on a quest for a solution – Nirvana.

Life is definitely not limited to suffering because the Buddha taught that Dukkha can be overcome. In other words, Nirvana, or the Ultimate True Happiness, can be obtained in this very life. That is the dynamic of Buddhism. Unfortunately, this goal became obscured as people mystified Nirvana.

When we practice Buddhism, it is important to know that it is not a religion of worship. Instead, we should constantly check ourselves for progress in achieving real happiness.

Dukkha is a central concept in Buddhism, often translated as “suffering” but encompassing a broader spectrum of experiences. It’s not just about physical pain, but also about the dissatisfaction, impermanence, and unsatisfactoriness inherent in life. That nagging feeling of something missing, the anxiety, loneliness, fear, frustration, and even joy that quickly fades – all these are examples of dukkha.

The implication of this first Noble Truth is that dukkha is a universal experience. It affects everyone, regardless of their circumstances. The celebrity you admire, the influencer you follow, the politician you support – they all experience dukkha. It’s the same dukkha faced by the single mother struggling to make ends meet.

This realization should foster compassion. Instead of envying others, we can recognize that we are all in this together. We all experience dukkha, and this shared experience can foster understanding and empathy. A penniless hermit can feel compassion for a powerful figure, recognizing their shared humanity.

The first Noble Truth also offers courage in moments of darkness. Knowing that we are not alone in our suffering provides solace. When you feel hurt, remember that someone else is likely experiencing the same, if not worse. It’s a reminder that our pain is not unique, and that we are not alone in our struggles.

Finally, understanding dukkha prevents us from feeling victimized. We learn to stop asking, “Why is this happening to me?” This shift in perspective helps us avoid self-isolation and negative self-talk, which can lead to hopelessness and despair.

By embracing the concept of dukkha, we can cultivate compassion, find solace in shared experience, and move towards a more fulfilling life.

You’re right that understanding the first Noble Truth can be a game-changer. Think of it like getting a proper diagnosis for an illness. You can’t effectively cure something if you don’t understand what’s wrong in the first place.

We often mistake fleeting pleasures for true happiness. We chase after relationships, possessions, material comforts, power, validation, and fame, believing they will bring lasting fulfillment. But these external things are ultimately unsatisfactory. The thrill of a new car fades, the excitement of a promotion eventually wanes, and we’re left wanting more.

Learning about Dukkha is the first step towards true happiness because it helps us understand the root cause of suffering. The Buddha who had experienced and overcome this suffering himself, offers a path to end it.

Through practicing the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), we learn to cultivate inner peace and contentment, recognizing that true happiness comes from within, not from external sources. We become masters at overcoming Dukkha, finding lasting fulfillment instead of fleeting pleasures.

In conclusion, the exploration of Dukkha and the first Noble Truth in Buddhism serves as a vital foundation for understanding the nature of human experience. It is not intended to make us feel gloomy and sad.

By recognizing that suffering is a universal aspect of life, we can cultivate compassion for ourselves and others, breaking down barriers of envy and isolation. The insights gained from understanding Dukkha empower us to look beyond superficial pursuits of happiness and guide us toward genuine fulfillment.

By doing so, our life receives new meaning and we move closer to the ultimate goal of Nirvana.

May all be well and happy.