Not So Random Words Of Wisdom

[poliphilo]

Pain is unavoidable but suffering is optional.

First time I read this it was attributed to a Buddhist holy man; second time it was presented as something a Judaeo-Christian angel said in a vision to a guy who happened to be a Hindu- so it transcends cultures. 

When something like this transcends cultures I think it's likely to be true.

I forget when or where I read it first but it was recently. And it made an impression. Second time was this morning and I thought, "I'm clearly meant to take notice of this- so I'll write it down."

Comments

[cmcmck]

Given my life's experience, I am more of the view that neither is optional..........

[poliphilo]

Pain happens, it's a condition of being in a physical body with human emotions. Suffering, on the other hand, is an attitude of mind- a role, a performance.