Evil and the Overcoming of Suffering in Buddhism

Abstract

It is impossible for anyone to describe and explicate the origin of evil and the overcoming of suffering in Buddhism, because nobody can legitimately claim to represent the whole of Buddhist traditions. I, for one, specializing in the Korean Seon Buddhist tradition and groping for an alternative way in the multi-faceted transformations of Mahayana Buddhism, can never write about the proposed topic of discussion in this epoch-making millennial meeting. But I dare say that the diversity of traditions would never efface the universality of suffering. However we may try to define it, we can never deny that we suffer, from the lowest degree of physical pain to the grave psychological pang of mortal anxiety, as long as we live an imperfect life in this conditioned world full of anxiety and danger. By dint of that universality of suffering, I venture to share my understanding of Buddhist approaches to the problem of suffering.

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