Tonight, I’d like to share a topic that serves as both an icebreaker and a way to connect more deeply with others. I’ll be speaking about Buddhism, specifically its core focus: freeing ourselves from suffering. Enlightenment or awakening in Buddhist thought is defined as reaching a state where we no longer create unnecessary suffering in our lives. While these ideas are interconnected, I’ll separate them for clarity in tonight’s discussion. To end suffering, we can cultivate two key practices: non-attachment to pleasure and compassion. Through meditation, we can develop compassion as a skill—learning to meet our pain with kindness and understanding. Similarly, we can practice non-attachment, letting go of the tendency to cling to pleasurable experiences. These two approaches together guide us toward a life of greater balance and freedom.