The Yoga of Sorrow - Understanding Suffering's Purpose in Spiritual Life

Why Do We Suffer?

Life begins with a cry. Whether it is because of hunger, of fear, or the intuitive awareness that we are exposed to the vulnerabilities of mortal life, we do not know. However, we know that life is full of suffering with intermittent periods of relief from it. If that does not happen, we distract ourselves with myriad activities. Any permanent escape from it is almost impossible. The Bhagavadgita begins with an entire chapter on the state of sorrow (Vishada Yogam) for a reason. Arjuna's sorrow in the Bhagavad Gita is symbolic of all human suffering. It is out of sorrow and suffering that a person becomes interested in philosophical matters and begins his spiritual journey. This may not happen universally, but in most cases it does.

Our experiences repeatedly prove that sorrow is the inseparable companion to human beings. It is the eye-opener and the true teacher of philosophical truths, without which perhaps many would remain spiritually ignorant.

Suffering puts our egos in their place and forces us to turn to God for help, just as Arjuna, the great warrior, turned to Lord Krishna for help and guidance. When we are happy, we generally do not think much about God or spirituality, but in suffering, we look for help and seek divine intervention. It is at least the case with a majority of people.

Why do we suffer? What does suffering teach? You will find the answers to these questions in the following essays, where we will analyze and discuss the spiritual significance of human suffering and its outcome in the light of the teachings of the Bhagavadgita, Upanishads, and other scriptures. Some essays deal with the problem of suffering from the perspective of Buddhism.