The Buddha pointed to at least five routes to different levels of happiness for lay people: sense pleasures, merit, concentration, insight, and awakening.
The First Noble Truth, that of "Dukkha" -- is to be understood, so said The Buddha -- yet often when we think about it, our reactions can tend towards aversion: "life is suffering." I feel this is an inaccurate reflection of the freeing potential of understanding this teaching.
The Buddha took effort to its far point, bringing himself close to death in the pursuit of awakening. Then he had a change of understanding, let go of self-punishment and awoke. We too need to discern when our effort is skillful, and when we are out of balance in striving. How to recognize and let go of unskillful striving.
