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Share your quitting journey

Your 84th Problem

TW517
Member
9 10 116

YOUR 84TH PROBLEM

A farmer once came to see the Buddha, to seek advice, to get help with his problems. The farmer had many problems and he told the Buddha, in great detail, all about how they made his life very difficult.

The weather never cooperated the way that he wanted. It was either too wet or too dry, so his crops often failed. His wife, although a good woman, was far too critical of him. Lately his children showed little respect for anything that he did. His neighbors were nosy, always interfering in his affairs by spreading gossip. This farmer's list continued long into the afternoon. And, after each complaint, the Buddha replied simply: "I cannot help you get rid of that problem."

The man, now exasperated, asked the Buddha: "What kind of teacher are you? And if you are so enlightened, what can you help me get rid of?"

The Buddha replied: "I can help you get rid of your 84th problem."

"And what is my 84th problem?"

"Your 84th problem is that you assume your life will be better if you get rid of your other 83 problems."

Take your pick; problem, conundrum, setback or hindrance. They can darken our days, consume our mental energy and feed us the narrative that real life is still pending."

~ Terry Hershey

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