Thomas Hobbs contends that the natural state of mankind is war. Buddhism teaches that the natural state of man is pure wisdom. As I have read and examined my own experience, I have come to the conclusion that the Buddhist way of thinking is the correct one.
People have been told for so long that man is imperfect, in a fallen state since Adam. Men embody this idea as a result. For centuries men have been told that they are alike. This sounds good, until you realize that this equality is all about desiring to acquire other peoples stuff.
The only way to stop living in fear of others is to get rid of these discriminations in our minds. We need to realize that humankind is equal in our potential to find enlightenment. We are also equal in our desires. We desire pleasure and want to avoid pain. That’s it! Now what is pleasure? In the only form important to the ending of suffering, pleasure is the avoidance or ending of suffering.
We need to rethink what real pleasure is. It is not the acquisition of goods. It is not taking from others and giving to ourselves. It is having a mind that is at peace. It is living in every moment. It is teaching others to do the same. Pleasure is a smile shared with a stranger. It is walking meditation, and cultivating true compassion for all beings.
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