"All Life Is Suffering" - Manly Sea Eagles Fans Turn To Buddhism To Find Peace In Cruel World

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

The long-suffering people of Sydney's Northern Beaches are reportedly converting to buddhism en masse this week, after turning to the philosophic teachings of the ancient religious figure who once walked the subcontinent in 5th century BCE.

This comes after Manly Sea Eagle fans suffered unprecedented misery on the hill at Brookvale Oval last week, witnessing their former lead a rival team to victory on their home soil, after giving 15 seasons to their club.

The match was also delayed by blackouts and cyclonic storms, as the Manly fans endured their team's 3rd straight loss in what is now a winless season, all while soaked head to toe from the torrential rainfall.

After a mildly inspiring start to the match, the 16,000-strong crowd gradually watched the game get away from them. At full-time, the score was 33-16 to the Sydney Roosters.

The crowd then sank to new lows by booing their former captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, as he generously stuck around to complete post-match interviews and take photographs with fans.

Their pain and strife was only magnified by the fact that DCE was big enough to respond to the toxic jeers with mature and poignant soundbites, as he showed sympathy for the Sea Eagles fans after enduring their third-straight defeat in as many matches for the first time since 2004.

"Some were going to boo, some would be happy to see me." the now Sydney Rooster told the ABC.

"I've got nothing but love for the people of Manly — so many great memories and tonight will be another great memory."

The next 24 hours further tested the Northern Beaches spirit, as it was revealed that the club decided it was time to sack their coach, Anthony Seibold, on the spot. With no plans to replace him. 35-year-old former player and assistant coach, Keiran Foran, has since been elevated to the top job for the indefinite future.

As the winter months come around, and Sydney's beaches face an assault of dangerous surf conditions, there is very little to look forward to in the insular peninsular.

It is perhaps due to this bleak outlook, that the teachings of Buddha have been so warmly embraced by the downtrodden people that live North of the Harbour, as they seek inner-peace in this cruel world.

Overnight, a major statue of Buddha has been constructed on the North Heads, as thousands of Manly fans begin integrated religious garb into their day-to-day lives.

"After a weekend like that, The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are more important than ever" said one retired Dee Why roofer, Cliffy Freshwater (67).

These sentiments are echoed by Avalon-based lash tech, Elly Nora (32).

"Karma, impermanence, non-self, compassion, and mindfulness. We must strive towards these attributes"

"Because all life is suffering and the mind is everything. What you think, you become".