What Is Awakening? Part 2
Jude Star
This text explores the qualities of awakening, focusing on the concepts of suffering, no-self, and impermanence in Buddhism. It emphasizes that letting go of attachment can lead to greater peace and acceptance of life’s challenges. Understanding these qualities helps liberate us from suffering and enhances our awareness of the present moment.
27 Apr 2025
“If you let go a little, you will find a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will find a lot of peace. If you let go absolutely, you will find absolute peace and tranquility.”
-Ajahn Chah
Buddhism is often called The Middle Way because it is midway between indulging in desire and giving up our seeking for desire completely. The Buddha essentially said we can enjoy life, we should just be very clear about the true nature of things and not get attached.
Fixating on some future idea of what we want robs us from the fullness of this moment, right now. And this moment is rich beyond our imagination, if we can only really be open to it.
The Buddha taught that the more we resist suffering, the more we suffer. It is actually the full embrace of each moment, including and especially the difficult ones, that liberate us.
Once you know the way to work, you don’t pay as much attention. You’re on autopilot during your commute, assuming that the route you took yesterday is the same one you’re taking today.
But nothing is ever the same. And our assumption that things are fixed, that this tree I walked by last week is the same tree I’m walking by now, it keeps us from actually paying attention. We no longer see what’s in front of us, instead we project our expectation, never really looking to take in the rich beauty of this moment.