/lit/ - Literature

>>2781639
I view not suffering as something preferable in itself, yes.

Of course you can believe such things, but it will make it harder to not get caught up in it. Buddhism is fairly down to earth in this. The Buddha basically said: "Look, such is life and some things suck, but I've found this way to deal with it, if you want the same results you should do as follows". You can take it or leave it.

I'd say the economic conditions of Asia aren't so strictly relatable to Buddhism. There is a culture influenced by Buddhism, but that doesn't mean that they are strict practitioners all around.

Same goes for the West. There's plenty of self-labeled Christians around, but rarely anyone lives up to it. I'd say your average monks, be it Christian or Buddhist, lives a life of greater contentment than most.

And conditions being shitty of course have a lot to do with your state of mind.If you can be happy living in a tub like Diogenes, you are in a better position than someone who needs to live in a mansion to feel happy. Both might lead to happiness, but the first has a lower overhead expense and is therefore easier to achieve and maintain. One is putting on shoes, the other is covering all the roads in carpet.

>>2647471
>better things to do than making the first baby steps towards getting to know a philosophy/religion that may very well become a defining quality in his life
>better things to do than being the seeker

Lol.

>>2647411
At the very beginning you should just read wikipedia articles and specialise from their according to what captures your interest. The subject matter is tremendously diverse.

Nigga I get my drink on I don't even know where London be

>>2520595
http://wtrns.fr/v3Rq_1A7130et_0

There you go.