The solution to life is not to be born.-SB
We read in the Kindred Sayings (V, Maha-vagga, Book XII, Kindred Sayings about the Truths, chapter V, paragraph 6, Gross darkness) that the Buddha said to the monks:
Monks, there is a darkness of interstellar space, impenetrable gloom, such a murk of darkness as cannot enjoy the splendour of this moon and sun, though they be of such mighty magic power and majesty.
At these words a certain monk said to the Exalted One:
Lord, that must be a mighty darkness, a mighty darkness indeed! Pray, Lord, is there any other darkness greater and more fearsome than that?
There is indeed, monk, another darkness, greater and more fearsome. And what is that other darkness?
Monk, whatsoever recluses or brahamins understand not, as it really is, the meaning of: This is ill, this is the arising of ill, this is the ceasing of ill, this is the practice that leads to the ceasing of ill, such take delight in the activities which conduce to rebirth. Thus taking delight they compose a compound of activities which conduce to rebirth. Thus composing a compound of activities they fall down into the darkness of rebirth, into the darkness of old age and death, of sorrow, grief, woe, lamentation and despair. They are not released from birth and deathand despair. They are not released from ill I declare.
But, monk, those recluses or brahmins who do understand, as it really is, the meaning of: This is ill such take not delight in the activities which conduce to rebirth. Thus not taking delight they compose not a compound of such activities. Thus not compounding they fall not down into the darkness of rebirthold agesorrowand despair. They are released therefrom. They are released from ill, I declare.
Wherefore, monk, an effort must be made to realize: This is ill.
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