Why do we suffer?

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The Special Prerogative of the Human Body

 

The Bhagavad-gita says that, out of many thousands of people,

someone may develop this reasoning power: " Why am I suffering? " We

do not want to suffer, but suffering is forced upon us. We do not

want too much heat or cold, but too much cold and too much heat are

forced upon us. We do not want thirst, hunger, old age, disease and

death. The real problems of life are birth, old age, disease and

death. But nobody is free from all these sufferings in this world.

 

Everyone is full of anxiety despite increasing material comforts,

economic development and scientific advancement. The Western

countries have reached the summit of material civilization, but

people are still dissatisfied. The government has difficulty

controlling crime, drug addiction, adultery etc. When the

civilization becomes godless and human beings are geared towards a

rat race for money and sex, life becomes hellish.

 

We should know that sense gratification is meant for animals, and

that sense control is for human beings. By tapasya, penance, we can

purify ourselves and regain our eternal life.

 

Only in human life are we endowed with the intelligence to

inquire. " What happens after death? What is the actual destination

of my life? " This is called `brahma jijnasa', enquiring about

oneself and God. The fist aphorism of the Vedanta sutra says: athato

brahma jijnasa " Now that you have achieved a human body, you should

inquire about the Absolute Truth. "

 

The human body is compared to a solid boat, which can help one cross

the ocean of the material world and take one to the Kingdom of God.

The Vedic scriptures are compared to favorable breezes. The

spiritual master is compared to an expert captain who can monitor

the boat and take it to the desired destination. A human being who

does not take advantage of this opportunity for achieving unending

spiritual bliss is cheating himself and is a killer of his own soul.

 

Thus the cause of suffering and the actual destination of life are

proper subjects of enquiry.

 

Sai Ram

Shakuntla Vishani

 

REF:from Bhagavad-Gita By:Dhirasanta dasa