/lit/ - Literature

>>11148960
>>11149139
(cont.)
>Perhaps there's more beyond this constant cycle of up and down
If by "more beyond this" you mean some ultimate reality, then -from the Buddhist point of view- you are mistaken. It is not the case that there is some constant, permanent reality beyond this mundane reality. If by "more beyond this" you mean a process which can be understood and a chain of events which can be broken, then you are correct. The world as we experience it is subject to three characteristics: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha) and non-self (anatta). Keep in mind that the concept of non-self is severely misunderstood by Westerners, who tend to equate as nihilism (i.e. no self) Non-self is different from no-self. In fact, the Buddha refused to answer the question if there is a soul (which many people think is their "true self"). Anyway, if you are confused about non-self we can discuss it further.
This process I'm referring to is the chain of interdependent origination (paticcasamuppada). It has 12 links which are interrelated in various ways, and there are several formulations of it throughout the Pali cannon. This is also another topic which we can discuss if you want to.

My advice? Definitely give this a shot. I was in a similar situation and found Buddhism to be the best system to adhere to.