What does the conceptual framework of Buddhism have to offer us?
Part II of II
Now we are to find that suffering, the toleration or even the idea of just enduring injury, pain or death is something we as individuals, that we as a species, are to commit ourselves to eliminating.
But why would such a commitment be so important to us as individuals and as a species that we would need to center ourselves around such an action?
As we progress in this journey, the answer will become obvious.
For now, however, let us just say that the generality being stressed with this type of commitment is that “you” are as important as the rest of your fellow humans, fellow souls, presidents or kings, located here on earth or in the heavens.
Three major ideas are being stressed here: one – suffering is not to be ignored, suffering is not a necessity; two – your suffering is no more important than that of another; and three – we all have equal importance in the scheme of things.
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The Buddhist concept does not stipulate that you are to address just the elimination of “your” suffering. Buddhism states that one is to address the elimination of “suffering,” period.
This statement does not imply the suffering of others is more significant than yours, nor does it imply the reverse, that your suffering is more significant than others.
The concept being addressed is: all suffering being endured by others as well as by yourself must be attended to.
End