How do we explain the sufferings in the world? Suffering can be both physical and psychological; the emptiness in the heart caused by loss of a love one, the broken heart from a separation or divorce, and the excruciating torment of illness. Sometimes the emotional sufferings are more difficult to deal with then the physical sufferings.
But how do we deal with these sufferings? In many religions, especially the eastern religions, suffering is suppose to be part of life. Some even say that suffering causes one to understand oneself, or to become a better person. Without experiencing suffering, one can not empathize with the suffering.
Faith appears to be one of the factors in reducing suffering. To believe in a higher being that will eventually embrace and protect you from suffering. Chants like the Buddhist Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, give followers hope and understanding in reducing their sufferings. Believing in Jesus gives many Christians the ability to cope with the temporary sufferings on this earth for hopes of eternal joy in heaven.
Some believe that God created a self regulatory world of removing evil (greed and arrogance) from the world; the belief that we cause are own suffering. Good thoughts and actions causes joy, and evil thoughts and actions cause suffering. We must endure our present sufferings; but we can take solace in believing that we can plant seeds for a joyous future.
But no matter what we believe in, sometimes the pain of sufferings seems unbearable. But with time, the emptiness of the heart dissipates, the injury mends, and we suffer less. Sometimes I think that the tincture of time heals all wounds, physically and emotionally. Pray and give it time!
Heaven’s Truth Church/Tenrikyo Church
