In yesterday's blog, I concluded that the Buddha's message is that our suffering arises from psychological reasons. In other words, we suffer because the world—including ourselves—fails to meet our own expectations. To rephrase, it is our own thoughts and feelings about the world that create our problems and suffering. This is undoubtedly a radical claim, yet it is one we must take seriously. The Buddha asserts that it is within our control; we have the power to choose. No one claims that this is easy, but it is achievable. Furthermore, if I understand the Buddha's message correctly, it is our only option for ultimately ending suffering. As I mentioned in my recent series about the Buddha's teachings, I agree with what he says. The alternative would be that we are wholly dependent on external forces, and that our own ability and responsibility are indeed limited. Surely, there are external powers that we cannot even conceive of, but if our free will has any say at all, it should empower us to make a real change.