Final answer:
In today's world, complete avoidance of tanha (craving) is seen as challenging due to constant triggers such as consumerism. However, through dedicated practice of the middle way and Eightfold Path, Buddhists believe it is possible to manage these cravings. One's personal viewpoint might recognize the difficulty, yet still find it feasible to minimize craving's impact by applying Buddhist teachings.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Buddhist teachings, avoiding tanha (craving) is a challenging aspect of living in today's world. The second of the Four Noble Truths acknowledges that suffering originates from the craving for things that inherently lack the ability to satisfy. This craving leads to attachment which in turn heightens the desire, contributing to the cycle of suffering. Buddha's teachings suggest that by embracing the middle way, which is a balanced approach between extreme indulgence and extreme asceticism, one can overcome these cravings and attachments.
Arguments that agree with the difficulty in avoiding tanha highlight the pervasive nature of materialism and consumerism in modern society, making detachment a significant challenge. Conversely, arguments that disagree assert that, through diligent practice of the Eightfold Path and mindfulness, individuals can cultivate detachment and manage cravings, even in the context of a desire-driven world.
Assessing my own point of view, while contemporary life is inundated with inducements to crave, I believe it's possible to reduce the influence of tanha by mindfully practicing Buddhist principles. Ultimately, it may not be about avoiding craving entirely, but about recognizing and managing it to minimize suffering.