Understanding Suffering From A Spiritual Lens
Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience that people of all faiths grapple with. When we see others enduring hardship, it’s normal to wonder why an all-powerful God doesn’t simply remove those difficulties.
In this article, we’ll explore some spiritual perspectives on why suffering exists according to different religious traditions. We’ll also consider how faith can help provide meaning and purpose even amidst life’s inevitable trials.
The Nature and Purpose of Suffering in Different Faiths
The Problem of Evil in Monotheistic Religions
In monotheistic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that believe in one all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God, the existence of suffering poses a theological problem. If God is omnipotent, omniscient, and perfectly good, why does evil and suffering exist?
Various theological responses have been given:
- Suffering is a consequence of human free will and the misuse of freedom.
- Suffering is a test or trial for spiritual growth and soul-making.
- Suffering is the result of original sin and human disobedience.
- God has reasons for allowing suffering that are beyond human understanding.
The Book of Job grapples with the problem of innocent suffering. Overall, monotheistic faiths affirm God’s reasons are just and suffering is meaningful, even if humans cannot fully comprehend it.
Karma and Rebirth in Eastern Faiths
In Eastern faiths like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, the concepts of karma and rebirth strongly shape views of suffering. Karma refers to the cycle of cause and effect – every action has consequences that can carry over into future lives.
Suffering is seen as caused by past negative karma from previous incarnations. The experience of suffering now is believed to be just desserts for misdeeds done in previous lives. By accepting one’s suffering with equanimity and making skillful choices now, one’s future karma can be positively affected.
The ultimate goal is to escape the cycle of rebirth altogether and attain liberation (moksha).
Suffering as a Path to Enlightenment
While karma and rebirth provide an explanation for suffering, some Eastern faiths like Buddhism also emphasize the potential value of suffering on the path to enlightenment. According to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, recognizing the universality of suffering is the first step to its end.
Suffering arises from attachment and craving. By non-resistance and detachment from ego and earthly concerns, one can attain the enlightened state of nirvana marked by compassion, wisdom, and release from suffering.
Suffering thus can have a spiritual purpose when embraced mindfully as an opportunity for growth.
Finding Meaning in the Midst of Suffering
Developing Compassion
Suffering can cultivate compassion when we realize that pain is a universal human experience. As we develop empathy for others who suffer, our hearts open. We may be inspired to help, through volunteering or donating to causes that alleviate suffering.
For example, after losing a loved one, many find comfort by supporting bereavement groups or hospice care. By turning our suffering outward to benefit others, we give it meaning.
Strengthening Character
Challenging times build character strengths like resilience, perspective, patience, and courage. We learn we are capable of more than we thought possible. For example, divorced single parents demonstrate extraordinary resilience as they manage home and work despite grief and fatigue.
Such growth leaves us wiser and more resilient. As the old adage goes, smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors.
Deepening Spiritual Growth
Suffering can spur spiritual awakening. Hardship encourages reflection upon life’s purpose, our relationships, and values. Some find new meaning through faith, prayer, meditation, or joining a spiritual community.
For instance, 12-step programs help addicts find sobriety through developing a Higher Power. Others deepen their religious faith; a Pew study found 26% of Americans said their religious faith has deepened during the pandemic.
As we grapple with mortality, suffering can open our hearts to love, wisdom, and spiritual connection.
Cultivating Inner Resilience and Peace
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and meditation can be powerful tools for cultivating inner resilience and peace when facing suffering. Recent research shows that practices like mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and even change brain structure related to resilience, positivity, and peace (source).
Any spiritual practice that quiets the mind can set the stage for personal growth.
Finding time for spiritual connection enables us to tap into inner wisdom, gain perspective on suffering, and understand our shared humanity. Whether it’s centering prayer, chanting, or yoga, these contemplative practices connect us to something larger than ourselves.
They remind us that life has meaning, even in the face of pain.
Gratitude and Perspective
Studies confirm that gratitude practices like keeping a journal or writing thank you notes can boost happiness and wellbeing (source). Pausing to reflect on our blessings counterbalances the mind’s tendency to fixate on problems and trains our brain to scan for the positive as well.
Getting perspective is also key for resilience. When caught in a downward spiral, we often blow things out of proportion. Taking a meta-view of the situation puts our suffering in context. Spiritual teachings remind us that this too shall pass and that all beings experience hardship at times.
Community and Service
Connection is core to resilience. Research shows social support builds the courage to endure (source). Joining community through volunteer work, advocacy groups, places of worship or other avenues reinforces that we don’t suffer alone. It grounds us in love and higher purpose.
Studies also reveal that helping others enhances meaning, wellbeing, self-worth and happiness. Generosity takes the focus off ourselves so we become less mired in personal pain. Seeing our small acts spread ripples of goodwill far beyond brings hope and solace.
Conclusion
While many faith traditions grapple with why an all-loving God allows suffering, they also provide wisdom for how spiritual practice can help transform and redeem suffering. By leaning into timeless teachings that foster compassion, resilience and transcendence, we can find light even in our darkest nights.
