Why do bad things happen to good people?

"Why do Good things happen to Bad people?"

I wish I knew. The drunk driver suffers a scratch, but the family he hits dies. A tornado kills a family, while the problem neighbor that no one likes suffers no damage. It hardly seems fair.

"All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked . . . " Ecclesiastes 9:2
 

A story about good and bad.

In 1973 I became a born again Christian. I was extremely happy. It was good. I had friends who were Christian, and one that I really liked named Kevin. It was good. We rented two cabins at Mt. Lassen that winter. It was a blast. It was good. Kevin has his girlfriend visit. He smokes pot with her and makes out. ( I was cleaning his cottage and played a recorder tape I thought was music. He had recorded their meeting together. ) That was bad. ( Remember this is mister hippie, wild man just a few years back. :) ). I confront Kevin with this. That was bad. We forgave each other, but the relationship suffered. It ends up a mixture of good and bad. I think most things do. :)
 

I just remembered I am going to be able to see again with new glasses!!! :) A couple weeks ago at the pain doctor she had me read an eye chart. I did real bad so she made a referral to an eye clinic. It will be covered by Medicare too. So in about 3 weeks I will be able to see better I hope. Things have been getting a little fuzzy.
 
Paco Dennis said:
I just remembered I am going to be able to see again with new glasses!!! :) A couple weeks ago at the pain doctor she had me read an eye chart. I did real bad so she made a referral to an eye clinic. It will be covered by Medicare too. So in about 3 weeks I will be able to see better I hope. Things have been getting a little fuzzy.
Click to expand...
Good news about getting new glasses. It’s exciting to get new glasses. Will you get new frames too or use the frames you have now?
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Good news about getting new glasses. It’s exciting to get new glasses. Will you get new frames too or use the frames you have now?
Click to expand...
Thanks! It is exciting. I remember 25 years ago when my DD suggested I try reading glasses. Wow! I loved to read again. I didn't realize how bad they had become...same as now.

We only have different strength reading glasses you don't need a prescription for. I don't know how they operate at this eye clinic.
 
Since there is nothing that can cure my Parkinson's I try to take the Zen attitude of appreciating the "gift" of my adversity.. Without my disease I would never have learned to commensurate with others who are suffering far worse symptoms than I. Nor would I have learned if I had the fortitude to make the best of a bad situation... that its not the dpg in the fight but the fight in the dog. You say ..
Paco Dennis said:
It is difficult to get beyond the almost constant pain but that is what needs to be done, and it can be.
Click to expand...
Not only CAN your quest to get beyond pair be done I pray it WILL be done.

The Quitter Robert William Service1874 – 1958 • Death
When you're lost in the Wild, and you're scared as a child,
And Death looks you bang in the eye,
And you're sore as a boil, it's according to Hoyle To cock your revolver and . . . die.
But the Code of a Man says: "Fight all you can," And self-dissolution is barred.
In hunger and woe, oh, it's easy to blow . . . It's the hell-served-for-breakfast that's hard.
"You're sick of the game!" Well, now, that's a shame.
You're young and you're brave and you're bright.
"You've had a raw deal!" I know -- but don't squeal, Buck up, do your damnedest, and fight.
It's the plugging away that will win you the day,
So don't be a piker, old pard! Just draw on your grit;
it's so easy to quit: It's the keeping-your-chin-up that's hard.
 
Quitting is something I tried a few years ago. Everyday/hour is permeated with the challenge to overcome. I am learning things I wouldn't of dreamed I am familiar with now.

Thank you for sharing. It helps knowing others know what I am dealing with. I also wish for the very best for you. :)
 
Mr. Ed said:
Life happens, people interpret things as good or bad. Life is indifferent neither good nor bad, life is life.
Click to expand...
It is more complicated for me. Suffering with very painful stuff is very difficult ...by it's very definition we are describing some experience that makes us DISLIKE the feelings. This is real. Not a theory about words. When we suffer it can be so terrible we want to commit suicide. This is normal also. We see how animals behave when they are in extreme suffering. It is good to remember that our minds interpretation of suffering is very important also, as you suggested. Thanks. :)
 
I wonder if I should start a new chapter now that I had the first epidural in my neck ( spine ), to ease the pain. The first night I slept with very little pain. The second night was better than usual, but last night was very bad. A large storm moved through our territory and it might of had some effect. I woke up at 11:30 pm last night in terrible pain. My legs and facial muscles were burning...even in my mouth. I took a THC Gummy and frozen pieces of strawberries to cool my mouth, I lied down and slept until 2am. This time I took a different gummy and a Tramadol. I read that it can take 3 to 14 days to take effect. we'll see.
 
Humans have the selective capability to choose how they cope in life. Whether it be the ability to withstand pain and advertisement and/or shut down emotions as a means of protection. Usually trauma of some sort will trigger deep psychological scars and unfinished business as a way to purge the psyche of pain and sorrow on the road to a better understanding of one's ability to cure.

The mind and the body are one, psychological scares and imperfections of the mind can manifest themselves in physical form to alert you there is something wrong. This is a good thing to know when physical pain and discomfort occurs for no apparent reason. The mind controls the body and the body communicates to the mind so the mind can assist the body.

I try to live life as a spectator rather than getting caught up in the drama of other people. When there is drama I am reminded of people’s shallowness, an inability to think things through, and a lack of maturity. Evidently everyone has their place in the world even though I question people’s behavior sometimes.
 
@PacoDennis I read through your entire thread for the first time, little did I realize what you have been going through. The question comes to mind has your experience been beneficial to you?

Everything has a purpose in life, including pain and discomfort. I surmise you are a different person than when you started this diary? With that said, wisdom, the art of knowing is greater than the confinement of experience.
 
Last edited:
Paco Dennis said:
I wonder if I should start a new chapter now that I had the first epidural in my neck ( spine ), to ease the pain. The first night I slept with very little pain. The second night was better than usual, but last night was very bad. A large storm moved through our territory and it might of had some effect. I woke up at 11:30 pm last night in terrible pain. My legs and facial muscles were burning...even in my mouth. I took a THC Gummy and frozen pieces of strawberries to cool my mouth, I lied down and slept until 2am. This time I took a different gummy and a Tramadol. I read that it can take 3 to 14 days to take effect. we'll see.
Click to expand...
Could it be the stress , cortisol affected you ?
 
Paco Dennis said:
I wonder if I should start a new chapter now that I had the first epidural in my neck ( spine ), to ease the pain. The first night I slept with very little pain. The second night was better than usual, but last night was very bad. A large storm moved through our territory and it might of had some effect. I woke up at 11:30 pm last night in terrible pain. My legs and facial muscles were burning...even in my mouth. I took a THC Gummy and frozen pieces of strawberries to cool my mouth, I lied down and slept until 2am. This time I took a different gummy and a Tramadol. I read that it can take 3 to 14 days to take effect. we'll see.
Click to expand...
I hope you can get some relief soon Paco 🌹
 
Mr. Ed said:
Humans have the selective capability to choose how they cope in life. Whether it be the ability to withstand pain and advertisement and/or shut down emotions as a means of protection. Usually trauma of some sort will trigger deep psychological scars and unfinished business as a way to purge the psyche of pain and sorrow on the road to a better understanding of one's ability to cure.

The mind and the body are one, psychological scares and imperfections of the mind can manifest themselves in physical form to alert you there is something wrong. This is a good thing to know when physical pain and discomfort occurs for no apparent reason. The mind controls the body and the body communicates to the mind so the mind can assist the body.

I try to live life as a spectator rather than getting caught up in the drama of other people. When there is drama I am reminded of people’s shallowness, an inability to think things through, and a lack of maturity. Evidently everyone has their place in the world even though I question people’s behavior sometimes.
Click to expand...
No Matter the Trial
by Elsie J. Doll
Through the shadowed cobwebs of my mind
My worries sift in syncopated time.
Broken, confused, wrapped in sorrowful gloom
In a corner of my anemic tomb.
What's this? A fissure leaking humor in
Trailed by sunshine in the shape of a grin.
This transfusing succor gives wings for flight
Out of my forever despair filled plight.
The cobwebs dissolve, the shadows erase
As I wing my way to the healing place
Where one gains courage to find a smile
No matter the stress, no matter the trial.
 
I was interested in remembering the Buddhist saying "one foot in Nirvana, the other foot in Samsara" for some reason. It was 40 years ago that I was a fully committed monk, and this saying was one that I meditated on, and then have discussions of it's meaning with the Abbot and a few monks. It has been helpful to me in helping me remember that nothing is supposed to be perfect, including our own view of the world. To help me remember I used my favorite AI. It is very fascinating how the AI picks what it is programmed to retrieve. I look to see how relevant it is to what I know/feel is real. Check this out for words to practice by :

the Buddhist saying "One foot in Samsara and the other foot in Nirvana." What does this mean?



The Buddhist saying "One foot in Samsara and the other foot in Nirvana" captures a profound Middle Way perspective on enlightenment. It suggests that Nirvana (liberation from suffering) is not separate from Samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and suffering)—they are two sides of the same reality. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:

1. Non-Duality of Samsara and Nirvana​

  • In Mahayana Buddhism (especially in schools like Zen and Dzogchen), Samsara (the world of suffering, desire, and illusion) and Nirvana (freedom, awakening) are not opposing realms.
  • Nirvana is Samsara seen clearly—like realizing a snake is just a rope. The "rope" (reality) was always there; the "snake" (suffering) was a misperception.

2. Embodiment of the Middle Way​

  • The phrase rejects extremes: neither clinging to worldly existence (Samsara) nor seeking escape (Nirvana as a distant paradise).
  • Example: A fully awakened being (like a Buddha) acts compassionately in the world without being bound by it—like a lotus flower rooted in mud but untouched by it.

3. Practical Implications​

  • For practitioners: Enlightenment isn’t about abandoning life but transforming your relationship to it. You engage with the world while resting in awareness.
  • For daily life: It’s the balance between accepting imperfection (Samsara) while cultivating peace (Nirvana) amid chaos.

4. Parallel Teachings​

  • Zen’s "Everyday Mind is the Tao" – Enlightenment is found in ordinary moments (chopping wood, carrying water).
  • Tantric Buddhism’s "Poison as Medicine" – Delusions themselves can become wisdom when seen through.

In Short:​

It’s a reminder that liberation isn’t "out there"—it’s right here, in how we meet each moment. As the Heart Sutra says: "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form."
Would you like examples of how this might apply to modern life?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then I asked it where it got the information. This very important. For this you need experienced practitioners, who are highly regarded by the majority of Buddhist's. You want people who have chose this path and devoted their life to Buddhist practice.

You're asking for references—excellent scholarly approach! The phrase "one foot in Samsara, one foot in Nirvana" is a modern, poetic encapsulation of classical Buddhist teachings rather than a direct scriptural quote. Below are key scriptural, philosophical, and commentary sources that articulate this non-dual view:

1. Primary Buddhist Texts​

a) The Heart Sutra (Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra)​

  • Key Teaching: "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form"—the foundational Mahayana statement on the non-duality of Samsara (phenomena) and Nirvana (absolute reality).
  • Reference: Red Pine’s The Heart Sutra (2004) or Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Heart of Understanding (1988).

b) Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra​

  • Key Teaching: The layman Vimalakīrti embodies enlightenment while fully engaged in worldly life, declaring:
    "Samsara is Nirvana itself, for it has no fixed nature." (Chapter 7, "The Goddess")
    Click to expand...
  • Reference: Thurman’s The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti (1976).

c) Samdhinirmocana Sutra (Yogācāra School)​

  • Key Teaching: The "Three Natures" doctrine explains how delusion (Samsara) and wisdom (Nirvana) arise from the same mind.

2. Mahayana Philosophical Treatises​

a) Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way)​

  • Key Teaching: Chapter 25 ("Examination of Nirvana") states Nirvana and Samsara are conceptually distinct but ontologically inseparable:
    "The limit of Nirvana is the limit of Samsara. Between the two, there is not the slightest difference." (Verse 20)
    Click to expand...
  • Reference: Jay Garfield’s The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (1995).

b) Chandrakīrti’s Madhyamakāvatāra (Entering the Middle Way)​

  • Expands on Nāgārjuna’s view, emphasizing that ignorance alone separates Samsara from Nirvana.

3. Zen and Tantric Commentaries​

a) Dōgen’s Genjōkōan (Actualizing the Fundamental Point)​

  • Key Teaching: "To carry the self forward and illuminate the myriad things is delusion [Samsara]. That the myriad things come forth and illuminate the self is awakening [Nirvana]."
  • Reference: Tanahashi’s Treasury of the True Dharma Eye (2010).

b) Longchenpa’s The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena (Dzogchen)​

  • Key Teaching: "Samsara and Nirvana are one within the nature of mind."

4. Modern Interpretations​

  • Thich Nhat Hanh (The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, 1998):
    "Nirvana is the removal of all notions... it’s here, in the present moment."
    Click to expand...
  • D.T. Suzuki (Zen Buddhism: Selected Writings, 1956):
    "Zen does not deny Samsara, but sees it as Nirvana in its dynamic aspect."
    Click to expand...

Why No "Direct" Quote?​

The exact phrase "one foot in Samsara, one foot in Nirvana" is a modern distillation of the above teachings, likely originating from:

  • Western Zen interpreters (e.g., Alan Watts’ The Way of Zen, 1957).
  • Tibetan teachers like Chögyam Trungpa (Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, 1973), who spoke of "enlightenment in the marketplace."
For academic rigor, focus on the classical texts cited above. For practical application, modern teachers like Pema Chödrön (When Things Fall Apart) explore this balance.

Would you like a specific passage analyzed further?
 
@Paco Dennis

Don't have a lot of time this morning. But did want to mention give a brief response. When, as a teen i was doing an independent study of religions and philosophies--because i was 'searching' for something to believe that made sense, i was most drawn to Buddhism and Taoism.

Sometimes wondered if there was a translation issue with the word 'suffering', tho the Dalai Lama has used it. Of course life is full of various kinds and degrees of pain, both physical and emotional. But the initial hurting is needed--it is a warning that something is 'wrong', malfunctioning--physically, mental/emotionally, within a relationship. Tho with physical it can just be that you 'overworked' some muscle, especially as we age.

i've generally had a high physical tolerance for pain, so when i learned to meditate and exert some control over pain, i was careful to NOT do so until i knew what the cause was. And over the years i've come to feel that is necessary with our less tangible pains as well. Also from my early forties i began to wonder if the physical difficulties of aging are nature's way of easing us out of physical life--in a reverse psychology sort of way--making physical existence problematic enough for us to be 'ready to let go of it?

Just some initial reactions, not terribly organized.
Have a good day. Will try to get back later after 'must do' stuff done.
 

feywon​

".........Also from my early forties i began to wonder if the physical difficulties of aging are nature's way of easing us out of physical life.........." Oh wow, that's almost exactly what I once said to my daughter. And the worse the difficulties the more excepting we are of our physical end. But then I once joked with her that I hope I feel great when I 'pass on' because I don't want to enter the 'other side' feeling rotten. :D
 
Elsie said:

feywon​

".........Also from my early forties i began to wonder if the physical difficulties of aging are nature's way of easing us out of physical life.........." Oh wow, that's almost exactly what I once said to my daughter. And the worse the difficulties the more excepting we are of our physical end. But then I once joked with her that I hope I feel great when I 'pass on' because I don't want to enter the 'other side' feeling rotten. :D
Click to expand...
Both my grandmothers lived to 98. They were opposites in so many ways. I've always said i'll accept physical challenges as long as my cognition remains good like my Paternal Irish grandma. So far, so good. I still cut kindling and haul firewood into the house. Can usually find ways to work around issues that arise, both physical and mental ones.

I had NDE at age 27, so i have a different take on the transition from physical to non-physical life than many people do. But i am enjoying life now as it is where i am. My daughter lives with me. Keep in frequent touch with my sons who live in other states. The one who's a Dad brings my grandson to visit once a year.
 
Last edited:
Like...I just backed into a parked pickup truck in town. I wasn't looking in my mirrors and turned my head to see. I thought I was fine then bang! I left the scene and thought about not dealing with it, but I went back. Found the owner inside the car repair shop. He didn't mind the little scrape, and his friend at the shop said he use a couple sheet metal screws to attach the wheel guard piece. He said it was "good". Lucked out on that one. Sh#t happens! :eek:
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top