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Expert: - 11/8/2005


Question
I am currently working through some very strong feelings as I care for a close family member who has terminal cancer. I have been meditating to help her and to keep me strong too. My question is, almost as soon as I leave the refuge and quiet of my meditation, feelings of anxiety, anger and failure return and I quickly feel like I'm back at square one! Is there anything I can do to make the feeling of peace and strength last just a little longer?
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Sara,

Thank you for asking me.

Even if you can make it "last just a little bit longer", you still will be back to square one; isn't it?  This is the time when we have to face this Dukkha which the Buddha had pointed out to us.  There is no way we can by-pass this Dukkha.  The "solution" lies in our realization of this Truth of Dukkha, and to forebear and come to terms with this Reality of life.  This is the time when we must reflect on the truth and reality of this life.  Such is the ugliness of this world and this life.  This IS the TRUTH, the Dhamma which the Buddha preached.  When we come to terms with the world, we will experience peace..inner peace.  As there is nothing much that we can change or fight this world and this life.  Peace only comes by following and accepting the realities of existence.

Have peace by accepting that which we have no control.

From justinchoo  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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