The Paradox of Becoming

The Paradox of Becoming was written by Thanissaro Bhikkhu in 2008. The topic of becoming is one of the most important in Buddhas teachings, and it features some major paradoxes. The importance of becoming is evident from the role it plays in the four noble truths, particularly in the second: Suffering are caused by any form of craving that leads to becoming. Thus the end of suffering must involve the end of becoming. The central paradox is also evident in the second noble truth, where one of the three forms of craving leading to becoming is craving for non-becoming?the ending of what has come to be. This poses a practical challenge for any attempt to put an end to becoming.