One of the stumbling blocks to ending personal suffering is the western idea of entitlements. All through our culture, politics and lifestyle the idea of rights and individual freedoms are heralded. We have the right to pursue happiness, wealth, fame and fortune. This seems that we are taught to believe that happiness is something to be caught, held captive and digested. It sets up the feeling that we are incomplete and something outside our being is needed to stop suffering. Just because you are offered tea does not mean you must drink, just because you have a right to pursue does not mean you must chase and just because you are told; you need not believe. MU

Quote: "And then fakes it but not in the open. And there's more - the so-called idea of entitlement isn't a western one nor is it restricted to western or eastern culture, north and south, because oh yes, monkeys do it, even the shy ones. "
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The Buddha would say that we should be different than the monkeys in that we have been given this precious human life. MU

Quote: "I would say: The Buddha would say no such thing. And thank God. But the monkey would say: Don't blame us precious monkeys, we're precious we are. We're monkeys. "
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Maybe the Buddha was wrong. Maybe some in human form are monkeys. MU 

Happiness seems to me a decision and simply that, and we do appear to set ourselves up to believe we are incomplete and need something ‘outside our being’ to stop suffering. And I guess what is important is the question ‘is there anything outside our being?’ where can I go that I am not already at, in, with? Am!

This forum is handy for challenging the mind, the act of writing to a person for all intents and purposes does not exist (it is a computer) via this method thought paths may be followed to the origin. Something not always done with other media. These just seem to grow and sprout by themselves they just arrive spontaneously when asked; maybe I do not ask enough. And again if the answer was not realised the question might not be asked. If i follow everything to the origin i really know bugger all. Underneath all the blankets of knowledge i am naked and just am.

Quote: " Don't blame us precious monkeys "
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:D