Why Does Suffering Exist?

The question of suffering has puzzled mankind since the beginning of creation.

Suffering arises from violations of natural law. There is no law that says we must suffer, but there are eternal laws that determine the effects of our actions. As we sow, so shall we reap. The laws in the universe are set in accordance with the Divine Will. We cannot know the long-term effects of every action we perform. Even the short-term effects are often unpredictable. But the universe reacts to individual actions. Results of our actions are never random. Everything happens in the way it is meant to happen. The seed of the action has been previously sown in the soil of time. It must sprout when the season of sprouting comes.

Saints often explain suffering as a process of purification. Suffering cleanses the dross of ignorance from the mind. Sometimes suffering is interpreted as a slap from the mother in order to teach her child to move in a different, more evolutionary direction. Suffering may take the form of loss, loss of someone one loves or loss of prized possessions. This helps one realize that lasting happiness cannot be gained by anything in the ever-changing sphere of life. Suffering helps to remove the veil of illusion that hides our true vision of life. Suffering may bring us closer to the source of eternal happiness within ourselves. It may make us turn within.

The poet Rumi says:

“These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them.”

Suffering is not punishment. The mother who leaves her child to wallow in the mud is not a good mother. Only the love of the mother will make her lead her children to the cleansing waters of the river of life.

The saint, Sri Anandamayi Ma says:

“Suffering is sent to remind you to turn your thoughts towards That which is real- to God who will give you solace.”