Why do we suffer?

I've long grappled with the notion of suffering—death, disease, old age—inevitabilities that strike everyone, desired or not. Growing up, I heard countless tales of a merciful, loving God, which only deepened my skepticism. How could a benevolent deity knowingly subject us to such hardships? My quest for answers led me to the Upanishads and the teachings of the Swamis from the Ramakrishna Order, prompting a profound shift in my understanding of this divine hypocrisy.

Why Suffering Exists

Look around; suffering is omnipresent. It manifests in the desperate struggles of animals, the depths of human despair, and the myriad daily challenges that pervade our lives. This pervasive reality poses an enormous challenge to any belief in a benevolent God. Within the framework of Hindu thought, the natural world is starkly brutal — a relentless cycle where life sustains itself by consuming other life. This fundamental aspect of existence, where survival often hinges on pain and predation, is difficult to square with the notion of a compassionate creator who oversees the world with love and mercy.

God Beyond a Personal Entity

In both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the concept of God is reimagined not as a personal deity but as an all-encompassing principle that infuses every aspect of the universe. This view transcends the notion of a God who micromanages the minutiae of our lives, presenting instead a pervasive force that forms the very foundation of existence. It’s crucial not to view this concept through an Abrahamic lens, which often portrays God as a distinct, personal entity with human-like attributes and behaviors. Instead, in these Eastern traditions, suffering is reinterpreted: it is not a flaw or a mistake orchestrated by a divine being, but rather an integral and inevitable part of the cosmic process. This perspective helps us see suffering as a fundamental and natural occurrence within the vast tapestry of life, woven into our experiences by the laws that govern the universe itself.

Suffering as a Catalyst

In these traditions, suffering is never without meaning. It is viewed as a critical tool for spiritual growth, prompting individuals to transcend their immediate pain and delve into deeper existential truths. This process involves cultivating resilience and unearthing inner strength that might otherwise remain dormant. Just as harsh winds compel tree roots to grow stronger and deeper to withstand the storm, suffering challenges us to fortify our spiritual foundations. It encourages us to expand our perspective, to see beyond the superficial aspects of life, and to embrace the lessons hidden in our trials. This perspective frames suffering not as a random misfortune, but as a deliberate catalyst that propels us toward greater spiritual maturity and enlightenment. It helps us in a way to understand that this body that we are so very attached to is gonna become 3 pounds of ash in no time. Reject the idea of the body, be free from the delusion that you are in fact “free”. We are not prisoners, but not free enough if that is something I have correctly understood.

Embracing this perspective doesn’t erase suffering but embeds it with a purpose. It’s tough, no doubt. But this view helps me understand life’s harsh realities not as flaws in creation but as opportunities for deepening wisdom and compassion. Every challenge is a call to expand our understanding and our empathy — not just for ourselves but across all life.

— Rishi Banerjee
July 2023