In this world, Is there anyone who had never been through suffering? The answer is no. Everyone suffers or goes through something painful at least once in their life. Going through a gloomy phase or an inconsolable moment doesn't mean it will never get better. It will, even though it might take several days, months or even years, the truth is, it will certainly get better. But then a new question arises, HOW will it get better? For that we'll need to understand what is suffering and why do we need it.

What is suffering?

Suffering is a topic that many people do not want to discuss, but it is a crucial aspect of the human experience that cannot be ignored. According to Collins dictionary, "Suffering is serious pain which someone feels in their body or their mind." Psychology explains suffering as "an unpleasant or even anguishing experience, severely affecting a person at a psychophysical and existential level." It's natural to experience suffering and hardship at some point in our lives. But what is life if not suffering? If there is a moral hierarchy of suffering, who decides its levels? If we are scared of pain and suffering should we stop feeling at all? In the grand scheme of things, Is suffering just a part of the human experience?

Why do we need suffering?

We need suffering as it challenges us to face our fears, confront our weaknesses, and emerge stronger and more resilient than before. Life is constantly changing and evolving, and so are our experiences of suffering. By accepting the impermanence of life, we can learn to flow with the ups and downs, rather than resist them. As the saying goes, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." When we endure suffering, it gives us the opportunity to learn from our experiences, develop coping strategies, build emotional intelligence and make space for personal growth.

Now let's imagine a scenario. Think of an utopian society where everything is fun and we don't have to suffer or feel sorrow. But then where's the balance? Just like yin and yang, sunrise and sunset, heaven and hell, hero and villain, we need a balance in life. What if there's always sunrise and no sunset? Sounds unnatural right? Now what if we live in a world where there are only heroes and no villains? Then what are the heroes saving us from? These are just a few examples but the point is, a dystopian society is as bad as an utopian society. We need suffering, for happiness, for growth, and for us. What is life if not suffering? It is an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and connection. Embracing the full spectrum of human experience, including suffering, allows us to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Now if we take a religious approach on suffering we get some substantial answers.

Suffering according to Buddhism:

Buddha started with what he considered the most important thing in the world: suffering. Even in the first moments of his spiritual path, he was tormented by the supposed inevitability of suffering. At the very end, when he became enlightened, he finally understood what suffering was all about and how we should manage it. He explained the four noble truth or the four pillars of Buddhism:

• Dukkha: An explanation of what suffering really is,
• Samudāya: An explanation of why suffering arises,
• Nirodha: An explanation of how to stop suffering,
• Magga: Rising above suffering.

The first pillar of Buddhism or Dukkha is usually translated as ‘suffering'. It isn’t pessimistic, as it is often believed, but realistic, according to the Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar Walpola Rahula. The Buddha didn’t mean that ordinary life is nothing but misery—of course there’s sukkha, or happiness, he said. It’s just that even happy moments are ultimately unsatisfying, because everything changes. Good, bad or indifferent, nothing lasts forever.

The second and third pillar are all about the cause and end of suffering We feel as if we are not complete, as if life has no meaning. This is the source of all our suffering. According to Buddhism, suffering can only end in two ways. The first way is to fulfill all our desires, which would be a campaign that would last countless lifetimes and reincarnations because our desires are endless.

There is also another way, by understanding the nature of these desires. Instead of running from one desire to another all the time, we need to stop and ask ourselves why we have this desire. What is the real inner reason for all these desires?

The fourth and last pillar of Buddhism, Magga, explains the true way to rise above suffering by following the middle path. The middle path is essentially a kind of moderate living. It is to experience life with passion and enthusiasm while maintaining a relative detachment from it. Maintaining detachment is actually the simplest thing in the world; all that is required is to be still in our consciousness without allowing fluctuations of the mind. After all, people are conscious and should be able to “feel” themselves without a problem.

Our true nature is what Buddhists call “Buddha nature.” It is pure consciousness from which emanates immeasurable happiness and love and is itself formless. It is us, and we are the true end of suffering.

Suffering according to Hinduism:

According to Hinduism, suffering is an inescapable and integral part of life. The purpose of religious practice and various schools of Hinduism is to resolve human suffering that arises from samsara, which in a specific sense means the cycle of births and deaths and in a general sense, transient life. As long as man is caught in the phenomenal world of transient objects and appearances and becomes attached to them he has no escape from suffering.

The Buddha was not the first Indian teacher to contemplate upon suffering. It has been the quest of every ascetic tradition and school of philosophy in ancient India. They approached the problem from different perspectives and tried to resolve it in their own ways. The history of spiritual Hinduism is largely the history of man's yearning for a lasting solution to the problem of human suffering. The quest continues even today, as the dynamics of human suffering keep changing with the progress of civilization.

The Upanishadic seers approached the problem differently. They focused upon the hidden causes of suffering and tried to resolve it internally by cultivating purity, fortitude, sameness, equanimity, stability, balance, detachment and indifference through austerities, restraint and renunciation.

Aging, sickness and death are the grim reminders of the nature of Samsara and our existence in it. Every teacher tradition, school of thought and ascetic movement in Hinduism focuses upon them to convey the urgency and the importance of liberation. Liberation in a simple sense means freedom from suffering.

The Bhagavad Gītā rightly identifies the instability of mind as the chief cause of suffering. At the root of the mental instability is desire, which arises out of the repeated contact of the senses with their sense objects. In other words it is our outgoing nature and our dependence upon things and objectivity from which we experience suffering in a state of duality.

Our natural and purest state is enjoyment. Suffering is an abnormal state which arises from our ignorant and desire-ridden actions. Our purpose upon Earth to know how to return to our original state of enjoyment. This is the ideal goal which Hinduism aims to accomplish for its practitioners as part of the four aims of human life, not instantaneously, but in phases through gradual transformation. A person overcomes suffering when he become a friend of the Self.

Hinduism is not a fatalistic religion. While it accepts karma as unavoidable, it acknowledges the importance of virtuous self-effort in shaping one's own destiny and correcting the wrongs of the past. Belief in karma should not make one despondent. Instead, it should make a person feel more responsible towards himself and his spiritual welfare, accepting his suffering with a sense of detachment and awareness that his suffering is his own creation and he has to be his own savior.

Suffering according to Christianity:

Suffering is a topic that is frequently addressed in Christianity. Many believers struggle to make sense of why God allows suffering to exist in the world. Let's look at 5 things the Bible says about suffering and how we should respond so that our faith can be built.

1. Suffering Teaches Us to Seek and Trust God:

The psalmist said his afflictions were good, because they made him more faithful and taught Him God’s commands (Psalm 119:67, 71). Resting in Scripture, Christians can learn to respond to suffering in godly ways. They can trust God with their anger when they are sinned against, and learn to forgive (Romans 12:19; Colossians 3:13).

2. Suffering Touched Our Savior:

Jesus in the flesh experienced weariness and other human weakness. He was tempted in every way humans are, yet he was without sin. In the midst of impending suffering, Jesus’ example was: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

3. Suffering Matures and Equips Us:

In the midst of an extreme trial, it can be hard to develop mature faith. Whatever character and faith are already built into a Christian’s life prior to going through suffering tends to come out during suffering. But lessons learned in suffering can equip a believer for future ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

4. Suffering Can Bring Glory to God:

God sometimes allows things that are undeserved—disease and disabilities—to display His marvelous work. An example of this is the healing of the man blind from birth (John 9:1-3). Jesus said the man’s blindness was to show the works of God through his healing

When Christians suffer, people are watching, and Christians’ intent in times of suffering should be to honor God. Paul said when we share Christ’s sufferings, we can rejoice when His glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13).

5. Suffering Prepares Us for Greater Glory:

We don’t like suffering and try to avoid it. But Paul says the Christian’s “light and momentary” troubles achieve for them greater joy and eternal glory that outweighs anything they will suffer (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

In a sense, suffering for Jesus proves the believer’s faith. The Christ-follower suffers for Jesus’ sake, is conformed to His image, places all hope in Him—trusting that all things work together for His purposes— and enters into the freedom and glory of Sonship for all eternity (Romans 8:18-30). The justified, sanctified believer will be glorified in heaven.

This should cause Christians to rejoice. When suffering proves the genuineness of the Christian’s faith, this results in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-9).

While suffering is a difficult and often painful experience, many Christians find comfort in their faith and beliefs. By understanding the role of suffering in Christianity, believers can find solace in the idea that their hardships can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and redemption.

Suffering according to Islam:

In Islam, suffering is seen as a test from Allah, a means of purifying one's soul and strengthening their faith.

What Causes Suffering in Islam?

According to Islamic teachings, suffering can be caused by a variety of factors, including personal sin, the actions of others, or even as a test from Allah. It is believed that suffering can serve as a means of purifying the soul, helping individuals grow closer to Allah through their hardships.

Enduring Suffering with Patience:

In Islam, patience is considered a virtue, especially in the face of adversity and suffering. The Quran states, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." This reminder encourages Muslims to endure their suffering with grace and trust in Allah's wisdom.

The Opportunity for Redemption:

Suffering in Islam is not viewed as a punishment but rather as an opportunity for redemption and growth. It is believed that through facing and overcoming hardships, one can become a better person and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

The Role of Community in Times of Suffering:

In Islam, the community plays a vital role in supporting those who are going through difficult times. Muslims are encouraged to come together to offer love, compassion, and practical assistance to those in need, serving as an important source of comfort and strength.

Coping with Suffering in Islam:

When faced with suffering, Muslims are encouraged to turn to prayer, seeking comfort and guidance from Allah. The act of prayer is believed to bring peace to the soul and help individuals find solace in difficult times.

The Promise of Rewards in the Afterlife:

In Islam, the belief in an afterlife provides hope and solace to those who are suffering. It is believed that those who endure their hardships with patience and faith will be rewarded in the Hereafter, experiencing eternal peace and happiness.

Making Sense of Suffering

While suffering can be a challenging and painful experience, Muslims are reminded to trust in Allah's plan and have faith that their struggles have a purpose. Through prayer, patience, and reliance on their community, Muslims can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

In short, suffering in Islam is viewed as a test from Allah, an opportunity for growth and redemption, and a reminder to rely on one's faith and community for strength. By understanding the teachings of Islam regarding suffering and approaching challenges with patience and prayer, individuals can find peace and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

Conclusion:

"What is life if not suffering" doesn't mean that we should passively accept suffering, but rather approach it with an open mind and heart as it can help us appreciate the fleeting beauty and joy in life, even amidst challenging circumstances. Despite the inevitability of suffering, we have the capacity to cultivate resilience and cultivate hope. Resilience allows us to bounce back from adversity and setbacks, while hope keeps us motivated and optimistic about the future. So, the next time you find yourself facing a difficult situation, remember that you are not alone in your suffering, and that it is simply a part of your journey towards greater understanding and enlightenment.

"No matter how dark the storm clouds may seem, there is always a ray of light shining through."

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