Brevity

One Indian sage described the human experience as a gasp of pain between birth and death.

Other people

The more we subscribe to the idea of ‘other people’—that is, of people separate from and unrelated to ourselves—the more suffering we create. Love does not make these distinctions. How can I say that I help others when the others are myself.

The happiness equation

Don’t want anything. Don’t regret anything.

Trouble makers

In terms of their aggregate effect, criminals cause far less suffering than politicians do. We note Jesus’ distinct affection for the underclass.

Mistaken identity

No one says, “I am a body. This is me!” And yet this is precisely what most of us hold to be true. Herein lies our suffering. All our problems are body problems.