WHAT IS THE WORST KIND OF SUFFERING?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The Buddha once said, a long time ago, there was a diligent and steadfast Bhikkhu, who was endowed with five types of supernatural powers.
Every time he was cultivating in solitude under a tree in the mountains, he would attract a pigeon, a crow, a venomous snake and even a deer. These animals would hunt for food during the day, only to return to his side during the night.
One night, these animals started to discuss what was considered the worst kind of suffering.
The crow said, “I think that hunger and thirst are the most unbearable. This is because they bring about a weakened physique. Not only does visibility reduce, we lose mental clarity. As a result, very often, in the midst of all these, we fall prey to the sharp blades of the hunters and walk right into their traps.”
The pigeon said, “Lust is the most tormenting. This is because amid intense sexual desire, we lose our rational mind, behave like nothing else matters and subject ourselves to multiple dangers that may potentially snatch our lives away.”
The venomous snake said, “No suffering beats hatred. The moment we give rise to the thought of harming others, all our close or distant friends are susceptible to danger. Not only is such evil intention capable of harming others, we could end up being a victim ourselves.”
The deer expressed its view and said, “Fear is the most unbearable suffering. Whenever I wander in the wilderness, my heart is filled with extreme fear, the fear of falling prey to either human hunters or leopards, wolves or tigers. The slightest noise will send me scurrying away to the riverside or hiding in the caves. In my mad rush for survival, I practically have to drop everything, including my loved ones, and run for life. In my view, fear presents the most suffering.”
Upon hearing their exchanges, the Bhikkhu said, “What you have been talking about bears little significance; none of you has truly comprehended the root of your suffering. In this world, no suffering can surpass the pain that this physical form presents us. It’s because of this body, it generates an unlimited amount of anxiety and fear.”
This explains why I abandoned all worldly things, lead an ascetic life and exterminate all my desires, wishes and steer away from greed for the four great joys. I only have one goal in mind and that is, to put an end to the root of my suffering so that I can reach the state of Nirvana.
This diligent Bhikkhu was one of the previous lives of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Singapore, 24 April 2016