2. What do Buddhists mean when they speak of “suffering” (dukkha)? Why does it occur? Why does putting an end to desire bring an end to suffering?

The Concept of Dukkha and Means to End Dukkha or Suffering
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The concept of "dukkha" is one of the four noble truths that Buddhism teaches; this concept traces its root in various phases of the life of man, including birth, aging, illness, and death. Even though "dukkha" is literally translated as suffering, its meaning has much breadth and depth (Law, 1968). Dukkha may also arise without the feeling of suffering, and this aspect highlights its multiple dimensions, including physical suffering, psychological suffering, and the metaphysical concept of dukkha (Gäb, 2015). Buddhist beliefs about "saddha" or confidence and belief also highlight the importance of "dukkha" in a man's pursuit of eternal happiness; Buddhist teachings dictate that a person's experience of "dukkha" reinforces his belief in the ultimate redemption of the soul (Attwood, 2013). Hence, Buddhism considers "dukkha" an essential part of human existence and deems it a way to eternal salvage as it prompts a person to let go of desires that originate "dukkha," and the following discussion substantiates this fact.
Dukkha is a crucial noble truth as per Buddhist teachings, as it provides a deeper and realistic understanding of human life. Accordingly, Buddhism regards all kinds of suffering, including suffering during birth, aging, and illness, and the experience of suffering when someone loses a loved one or lives with an undesirable person (Gäb, 2015). However, mere physical and deliberate suffering does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of "dukkha," as besides physical suffering, a person also goes through psychological turmoil. For instance, separation from a loved one does not cause physical suffering, but it torments the soul through intense psychological agony (Gäb, 2015). This aspect of "dukkha" further expands its breadth of vision and its role in human life.
The most important and mostly neglected dimension of "dukkha" links the concept with the metaphysical world. This aspect of "dukkha" lends it a universal significance as it is related to the eternal existence of "dukkha" in human life; in Buddhism, the very human existence is a symbolic manifestation of "dukkha" (Gäb, 2015). Hence, all the components that constitute a human existence manifest "dukkha"; therefore, this concept transcends the traditional concept of suffering and includes all kinds of unpleasant experiences, including human existence (Gäb, 2015). This universal meaning of "dukkha" accentuates its theological significance and its role in redeeming the human soul from suffering.
One of the notable characteristics of "dukkha" is that the suffering he endures as a mortal being helps him realize the true meaning of his existence and the futility of his desires. Based on Buddhist doctrine, when a person experiences physical, psychological, or metaphysical suffering, this understanding of eternal pain makes him restless (Attwood, 2013). This restlessness compels a person to deviate from the traditional path of material pursuit and think deeply about the reality of human existence; as a result, he begins his pursuit of the truth beyond the physical world (Attwood, 2013). In other words, "dukkha" is such a potent experience that makes a person restless about searching for reality by showing him the futility of his material pursuits and desires.
The restlessness about the search for reality that a person experiences reinforces his belief in the ultimate redemption or saddhā. Hence, "dukkha" indirectly ends human suffering by diverting his attention to higher aims of life (Attwood, 2013). Under the influence of "dukkha," a person undertakes an incessant quest for the truth and a higher level of spirituality; consequently, his search ultimately leads to a reality higher than his material existence, and he accomplishes the "faith" (Attwood, 2013). This aspect of the concept of "dukkha" facilitates the understanding of its role in redeeming a person from eternal suffering as it diverts its attention toward higher realities of life and instills a deeper understanding of faith and the truth of life.
Therefore, understanding "dukkha" or eternal suffering kindles an acute desire to cession of eternal suffering in a person's mind and soul. Based on the understanding of Buddhist teaching, the only right to ultimate redemption from eternal suffering is the eight-fold path comprising the right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration (Law, 1968). These fundamental components of the eightfold path are based on the principles of renouncement of worldly pursuits and worldly pleasures. For instance, by following the right action, a person abstains from unlawful sexual indulgence or other such acts reflecting avarice and lust (Law, 1968). This aspect of a person's quest toward reality further accentuates the importance of self-control on his way to redem...