When Suffering Dawns

Dr. Rajesh Bhola
India
Aug 31, 2012

A spiritual life without suffering would remain feeble. People who undergo suffering are more spiritually inclined, as their level of consciousness gets heightened, and prayer and meditation comes naturally to them. They get closer to the inner core of their being. Great souls are not necessarily those who have reduced their suffering, or those whose passions have abated – but people who have suffered (in many cases, continue to suffer), but have controlled and directed their passion to a worthwhile purpose. They are the people who have truly lived.

A live example is Nick Vujicic, who was born in Melbourne with a rare disorder: he was limbless—missing both arms at shoulder level—and having one small foot, with two toes protruding from his left thigh. Despite the absence of limbs, he is surfing and swimming, and playing golf and soccer. Nick graduated from college at the age of 21, with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning. He is one of the best motivational speakers, focusing on the topics that today’s young children face. Another example is Jessica Cox, who suffered a rare birth defect; she was born without any arms – but with a great spirit. This psychology graduate can write, type, drive a car, brush her hair, and talk on her phone – all by simply using her feet. She is also a former dancer, and a double black belt in Taekwondo. She has a ‘no-restrictions’ driving license, she can type 25 words a minute, and became the first ‘unarmed’ pilot.

All great persons have entered enlightenment through the gate of suffering. They sit in the fire of human experience – and instead of running from it, they awaken through it. Through the gate of suffering they face the fires of desire, hate and fear. They are open to dissatisfaction, grief and loss. They accept the inherent suffering in life, and are released. They discover that suffering is not “my or our” pain – it is the pain of the world. Compassion fills the heart, and they find liberation. The suffering is much broader than the pain of a disease, or the loss of a loved one. 

The dissatisfaction and unhappiness of the human experience can manifest in any way. The exact nature of the suffering, and the events causing it, does not matter. We all suffer, whatever the cause, because we are not awake, and do not understand our true nature. When we do finally understand it, it is not that the event or issue stops, but – we stop suffering. 

I have often seen examples of people who were normally living rather unfruitful lives, but were  galvanized into action by the arrival of an unavoidable hardship. Many of the ‘great persons’ lived early lives that were not virtuous. Enlightenment came suddenly to them – though it did not bring an easy life. These great souls faced great struggles, often more so after their enlightenment. It is only through the experience of suffering that we summon up the energy to do something truly worthwhile with our lives.

Dr. Rajesh Bhola is President of Spastic Society of Gurgaon and is working for the cause of children with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities for more than 20 years.