There is a view that seems to be popular in some circles, regarding pain and suffering. You see, they tell us, we all feel pain, but suffering is optional.
So if you are on cancer meds, or just had an amputation or even just a case of shingles, they acknowledge it is painful, but it is your lack of enlightenment if you are suffering as a result.
Same if your child just died or your partner dumped you for the barista or your house just burned. These things may be painful but if they cause suffering it is wrong-think on your part.
It seems to me that the people who say things like this are so fragile that they have to hypnotize themselves into glossing over one of the big elements of life on earth, and doing so makes them smug, callous, and unable to display compassion for others.
Various people came forward to argue with me. Some relied on Buddhist teachings, some on the writing of Victor Frankl, and some on New Age thought on the subject.
I am not a Buddhist or a Christian, but I understand that many people are one of these two, or follow one of the other major religions.
These beliefs are deeply personal. And if they help their practitioners navigate life that is a positive thing.
But those beliefs are not mine. I am a solid agnostic.
I bet if we drilled down on the Buddhist teaching on suffering, assuming the words pain, suffering, and resistance are not specialized terms of art within Buddhism, we would find that it means acceptance of the suffering innate in experience of humans and all other advanced life forms.
That pain actually causes suffering, and that we must accept this if we are to live decently.
It is not about personal transcendence or “not resisting”, but rather about realizing that death happens, injury happens, loss happens. And reaching full acceptance of these facts.
It is not about magically eliminating suffering but rather about accepting the human condition. And making the best of it.
This is the opposite of the “new age” interpretation. No matter how they spin it.
Addendum:
This essay was inspired by a post on Facebook and the ensuing conversation in the comments. A couple of people saw where I did not describe that entire conversation in detail. And I am not going to. I will, however, provide this link so you can read it if you wish. It is a public post.
https://www.facebook.com/1435440211/posts/10230823146348969/
Indeed!
Wise post! (As always.)