2nd Noble Truth

Today, I decided to lock myself up in my office room for a 'silent retreat'. After some chantings, I proceed on to search for Dharma articles to read. And I put my focus on the 2nd noble truth, which comprises 3 types of desires/cravings, namely:

(1) Craving for sense-pleasure (感 官 享 受 的 渴 求)

(2) Craving for existence and becoming (生 存 的 渴 求)

(3) Craving for non-existence/getting rid of (不 再 生 存 的 渴 求)

These various cravings all lead to suffering and rebirth.

Weipin ever asked some venerables : There are so many articles out there for us to read, how do we select? The vens gave a v solid and power ans: There are 2 main types of buddhist articles. The first one is a written work by someone who wrote abt his/her own experiences and realisations. The 2nd one is by someone who merely consolidated, cut, copy and then paste what he agrees or feels strongly for, and then form up his 'own' article. The former and not the latter shld be embraced.

Similarly, I think its very important for us to experience the teachings and realise the truths ourselves (ehipassiko!), and not just merely get inspired or motivated by ppl's sharing of experiences. The former shld be able to support us for long in our self cultivation, while the latter may be jus temporal and fades away fast.

Anyway, I am guilty of the 2nd type of desire, the desire to 'become'. I almost forgot wat Ven Yuan Fan always taught us, on our weakness in always wanting to achieve something easy and fast.

I am in search of my next step to improve myself spiritually but systematically, anyone has any suggestions for me?