Final answer:
To cope with suffering, Buddhism teaches first to understand that suffering exists, then to recognize that it arises from attachment to desires, and finally to follow the Eightfold Path to attain freedom from suffering through wisdom and balanced living.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three basic ways to cope with suffering, as suggested by Buddhism, can be outlined as follows:
- Understanding Suffering: Acknowledging that suffering exists is the first step. This comprehension is part of the first of the Four Noble Truths, which states that life invariably involves dukkha (suffering or dissatisfaction).
- Identifying the Cause: The second way to cope with suffering is realizing that suffering arises from attachment to desires. Understanding this principle leads to recognizing that craving and attachment can lead to further suffering.
- Following the Path to Liberation: Finding freedom from suffering becomes possible by practicing the Eightfold Path, which is a guide to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing an individual from attachments and delusions. This path offers a framework for cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
When we see suffering as something common to all living beings, as the Buddha suggested, it fosters a sense of connection and compassion. The Middle Way is a philosophy that suggests a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes of asceticism and indulgence, as a way to achieve enlightenment and end the cycle of suffering.