/lit/ - Literature

>>21659377
>1. Why would you suffer the pain of living if you're just going to deny life?
The pain of living can be alleviated/can end through practice of the noble eightfold path. Abstaining from overindulgence in sensory pleasures is not at all the same as denying life, the path is to live mindfully in each moment, which is a complete celebration and acceptance of life.
>2. If you're denying life why don't you kill yourself?
As stated in the previous question, not a denial of life. Suicide is doing harm to a sentient being (yourself), and as such is harmful. Additionally, it would do no good, only cause greater suffering.
>3. If you're afraid of killing yourself why are you denying life?
Per the 2nd answer; not afraid of killing yourself, just not wanting to. The renunciation of worldly things serves to shift the focus of life to the practice of doing good and being mindful of each moment.
>4. Why are you afraid of pain more than you're afraid of dying?
Pain is a part of life. (Life involves suffering) The practice cultivates both an awareness of death, and a strength to overcome the fear of it. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is an excellent book regarding this topic.