Then suffering loses its sting… - Dada J. P.
Vaswani
We can refuse to let circumstances affect our positive outlook towards life.
We can refuse to let circumstances affect our positive outlook towards life.
On the hard road of life, there are some who are persecuted, some who
are denied, some deprived, some cheated and so are unhappy. In the midst of so
much suffering, can one still be happy?
A class of Jewish students, studying the Talmud [the collection of
Rabbinic writings referred in Judaism], came across a passage, which they could
not understand. The passage said that in the midst of suffering, we should
rejoice. "We don't understand these words!" the students exclaimed.
"How can we rejoice in the midst of suffering?" they asked the Rabbi.
The Rabbi said, "I am not qualified to answer your question. But I
know of a man living in our town. He has suffered much. There is not a calamity
he has not faced. He was orphaned immediately after birth, he grew up in abject
poverty; he suffered a broken leg; his married daughter was sent back home by
her in-laws. Despite all her suffering, he always smiles and is happy. Go and
ask him how is it that one can rejoice in the midst of suffering."
A procession of students wended their way to his home. They explained to
him the reason of their visit. The man expressed surprise and said, "I
don't think you have come to the right address. For, I have never experienced
suffering in my life. How can I tell you the way to rejoice in the midst of
suffering?"
Here was a man who had realised that suffering was a gift of the hands
of God. Once we accept suffering as a gift, it loses its sting.
Sadhu Vaswani Mission Web Site - sadhuvaswani.org
