Buddhists acknowledge and accept a universe filled with suffering. Christians take solace in the sufferings of Christ as a path to salvation. These insights on suffering are valid and give meaning to life. But this does not mean we must desire suffering, for suffering will come in our lives no matter what. And this does not mean we must avoid pleasure.
In fact, the opposite is true. It is essential to find pleasure and create pleasure in life. Pleasure in the senses, pleasure in food, pleasure in sex, pleasure in relationships, pleasure where you find it. But pleasure is not in the things themselves but in how these things are approached. Pleasure can cause pain and be destructive. It has to be seen in its affect on others and on the self.
The buddha knew great pleasure. Christ, in his human aspect, knew pleasure too. St. Francis gave up a life of pleasure to follow his spiritual path. All of them knew pleasure and enjoyed pleasure with intensity. They were willing to leave this deep pleasure behind, not to suffer, but to demonstrate a higher order of pleasure.
Most of us don't choose this kind of path in our lives, but we can learn from them the satisfaction of both pleasure and suffering.
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