Dukkha, “suffering,” refers to the dissatisfaction and distress that results from both attachment and aversion. In the Buddhist context, attachment relates to greed and possessive love; aversion, to...

Dukkha, “suffering,” refers to the dissatisfaction and distress that results from both attachment and aversion. In the Buddhist context, attachment relates to greed and possessive love; aversion, to anger, resentment, and hate. Both of these afflictions arise from our desire, our craving, for things to be other than what they are. Which of these two causes of distress and dissatisfaction do you feel most applies to you? Do you tend to be possessive in love relationships or over things such as clothes, money, or food? Do you tend to get angry or resentful when things don’t go your way? Do you at times feel that events have turned out unfairly and you’re not getting the acknowledgment, status, or some other compensation that you deserve? Take some time to closely examine the sources of your discontent. According to Zen principles, taking time to examine one’s own life is a necessary means of freeing oneself from such distress.