Path
So we have read some Buddhism and clinging is bad, right? Well, it can give rise to suffering, yeah? Taking this further, desiring the goal (Nibbana) and seeking peace through clinging to the path, this is wrong too, huh?
It looks, on the surface, as if we have fallen for two of the 12 links in the chain of dependent origination:
- Craving (Taṇhā) for something (nibbanic peace)
- Clinging or attachment (Upādāna) to something (the path)
However, the path is a necessary step and once that which needs to be done, has been done, then there is no need for a path and no desire for a goal. Consider if you want to go to the beach at the weekend. You have a clear desire, work up energy, plan a route(path) and follow that to the goal (beach). Once you are sitting on the beach there is no need for the path and the desire to go to the beach exists no more.