Suffering Is Never Alone But Shared

I would like to begin my reflctions on suffering by quoting the last sentence of this awakening article written by Richard Flyer: Suffering and supreme peace fit together like hand and glove. There is no light without darkness and no darkness without light. They are twins, not opposing each other but by joing hands to gether, they create wholness and oneness. I am wrting this from my personal expereinces. Like others, I have had a belief that by denying my suffering I will be blissful and happy. It took time for me to come to relalize that suffering and peace are two wings of the bird of life. By acknowlodging and accepting my suffering without resistance I can create space within me to learn from my suffering, the cause of suffering, and how to be from suffering. I have learned to listen non-judgementally to my inner voice to understand the cause of my self-created suffering, the way of going though it and beyond it. In our weekly Mindfulness Meditation satsanga group we share our joys and sorrows, what causes theses emotions and how to work throgh them mindfully. Sharing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with others without judging them, we have created a spiritual family where we relate to each other empatheticlly, candidlly and compassionately with an open mind and open heart. Learning and practicing how to be fully aware and attentive to my self-created distractions and noises has been very helpful to me. This process of self -awareness without judgment has been a strong foundation for a peaceful, joyful and service oriented living. Awakened life is like a lamp that creates light to dispel darkness of ignorance, prejudice, selfserving cravings and attachments and leading to enlightement. May we all have this light shining within us to keep us awake and walk on the right path. Nmaste! Jagdish P Dave

I like your, “there is no darkness without light …not opposing each other but joined … creating wholeness.” Amen to this one! Thank you for sharing!