The root 2

According to Buddhist philosophy we are all born from faulty roots. First we have to develop in this faulty direction. When we are strong enough we can get new roots and start all over again in a better direction. 

This is what happened to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. He was born a prince. It gave him an easy life. But he left the court and lived as a renunciate for six years until he reached enlightenment. After that he was a teacher.

What happens if we do not question our roots? The normal effect is just suffering. It is called sangsaric life. The more refined indivduals are called Asuras. They are highly knowledgeable and secretive persons, almost successful and always disappointed. 

The problem with our first start in life is that our understanding of reality is too limited. When we are born, a tremendous mental process has taken place making it possible for the fetus to develop. But when we start trying to understand reality, we are blind for this.

Modern life can be quite comfortable, and there are different kind of distractions and even drugs which can take our focus away from disturbances and difficulties. But the need to question our roots is still there.