Proving the Buddha's Four Noble Truths is always an easy task, but has recently been abundantly evident with the First Truth's principal that Life is Suffering, demonstrated through the devastating floods that have fallen on Queenslanders.
Whether it is in the deaths of those lost, the frantic concern for those still missing, or the loss of some, or all, of one's personal possessions, homes, livelihood, friends, loved ones and neighbours. Even more so is the unfathomable loss of other sentient life - livestock, pets, animals, pets, and so many more.
For those already directly affected, the suffering is tangible and real; and soon many other Queenslanders will also share in the effects of this disaster, albeit in more subtle forms, but suffer we all shall. Whether it is in the unavailability of the things we enjoy, the increased prices if they are still available, but also in the impact on our way of life, be it transport, power supply, communications and the dislocation of what we have always taken for granted in this wonderful state.
The Buddha taught that how to eliminate such suffering is through following the Eight-fold path and so it is that we should all now be doing everything in our power to extend our hand in generosity, effort, compassion and support for those less fortunate than ourselves.
Living the dharma is seen through action and actions deliver results - karma - both in the doing and receiving of such karma.
It is important for us all to be mindful of this suffering, and extend that to all the other countries around the globe who are experiencing similar tragedies - in South America, South Asia and others, or conversely the vast fires and heat waves in other parts of the world that are also casting sentient lives into suffering.
As has often been said, to impact globally, act locally, and so we encourage all Buddhists to step forward and show this community of Queensland that suffering does have a antidote, arising out of true love and compassion for all others....please do what ever you can...