Definition

The most popular and well-known definition of the Second Truth as found in the original texts runs as follows:

It is this "thirst" (craving) which produces re- existence and re-becoming, and which is bound up with greed, manifesting itself in various ways, that gives rise to all forms of suffering and continuity of beings. We tend to crave for what we don't have. On the other hand, we also crave for freedom form what we have but don't like.

Craving (渴 求) can be described in three main aspects:

(1) Craving for sense-pleasure (感 官 享 受 的 渴 求)

(2) Craving for existence and becoming (生 存 的 渴 求)

(3) Craving for non-existence (不 再 生 存 的 渴 求)

These various cravings all lead to suffering and rebirth.

Solution

The simple metaphysical solution to stop the origin of suffering is NOT TO CRAVE! But is that possible? If we cannot stop craving just by recognizing that it is the cause of suffering, we have to find its roots.

Root

The root of the problem is our primordial Ignorance - the misunderstanding of ourselves (我) and what belongs to us (我 所).

We fail to understand what we are!

Who am I?

Right from early age, we tend to feel and act as if we are permanent beings; However, through the Buddha's teaching, we know that we are not permanent in nature. We change with time. The concept of "self" consists of 5 elements. Namely the Five aggregates (五 蘊 )
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