Chapter One through Chapter Four Summary and Analysis

Hanh explains that Buddha was a man who suffered, and that we can enter his heart now only because we suffer. However, Buddha taught the transformation of suffering, and the use of suffering to liberate ourselves. He stresses that although we live in a ocean of suffering, it is important to be happy about the positive things that also exist simultaneously. He notes that he grew up with great suffering during a time of war, but suffering must be embraced and used for growth. He suggests going to the Buddha and showing him your pain, embracing suffering and letting it reveal the way to healing.

Siddhartha Gutama sat under a bodhi tree and vowed not to get up until he understood how to alleviate suffering. He was enlightened with the knowledge that we...