Books · Sahitya - Literature

The Shape of Suffering – A Study of Dependent Co-arising

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Order a printed copy

ShrutSangam GyanBhandars JainTatvaGyanshala

The Shape of Suffering – A Study of Dependent Co-arising by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Dependent co-arising—paticca samuppada—is the Buddha’s most complete analysis of the conditions leading to suffering, together with the conditions leading to suffering’s end. A passage in the Canon states that this was the topic he contemplated on emerging from his first week of meditation after his Awakening. From the book: The problem is that the bewilderment often guides the search, leading to more suffering and stress. To resolve this dilemma, the Buddha devoted his life, after his Awakening, to showing a reliable way to the end of stress. In summarizing the whole of his teaching, he said: “Both formerly & now, it is only stress that I describe, and the cessation of stress.” Read more