Divergent Perspectives on Suffering

The Seer’s Thought for the Day

The Buddha taught that suffering, known as dukkha, is a natural and inescapable part of human existence.

The Mormon scriptures say, “Men are, that they might have joy,” found in 2 Nephi 2:25.

These seemingly divergent perspectives on suffering are both correct. They examine the same principle from two different angles. The Buddha sees life as it is, and the Mormon perspective sees life as it can become.

The metaphysician examines these disparate viewpoints and seeks to determine what can cause such a seeming contradiction to exist in the first place. He or she further seeks to understand how the two opposing viewpoints can shed light on the nature of suffering.

The metaphysical perspective determines that all life seeks a state of balance. The yearning for the restoration of dynamic balance as a natural state of being, creates a divine discontent that causes pain and suffering to the individual, obscuring clarity by instigating the internal dialog.

The restoration of inner poise and contentment by balancing the expression of the qualities of the nine directions helps to reclaim self-empowerment and self-sovereignty.