Suffering: A Buddhist Perspective
If there is a way to free ourselves from suffering, we must use every moment to find it. Only a fool wants to go on suffering. Isn't it sad to knowingly imbibe poison? The Parable of the King and the History of Men A son of a prince was raised alongside the son of the grand vizier, and their friendship was legendary. When the prince ascended to the throne, he said to his friend: *"While I attend to the affairs of the kingdom, will you please write me a history of men and the world so that I can draw the necessary lessons from it?"* The friend left and returned years later with 36 volumes, saying: *"Here are 36 volumes relating the entire history of the world from creation to your ascension."* *"Thirty-six volumes!"* cried the king. *"How will I ever have time to read them? I have so much work administering my kingdom!"* Two years later, his friend returned with 10 volumes. But by then, the king was at war with a neighboring ...