The Hindu Approach to Suffering and Adversity
It has been said that “the only thing we can be certain of in life is change.” Good and bad things happen, and often in rapid succession, so we are constantly presented with questions regarding how best to cope or avoid them. Hinduism, like many other religious and philosophical beliefs, espouses an approach to life that is accepting of pain and suffering. Instead of seeking to avoid adversity, Hinduism suggests that one should embrace it — not out of masochism, but out of an understanding that it reveals an important lesson about life.
Hinduism does not seek to answer the question of why bad things happen to good people, but rather provides a framework for dealing with times of distress. Hindus should not expect to be immune from suffering and pain, but to accept this challenge with the understanding that it is part of the larger cycle of life. Through accepting and learning from these challenges, Hindus can find greater insight and strength.
The Three Gunas
An integral part of the Hindu philosophical system, the Three Gunas, can be understood as the source of all pain and suffering in the world. Guna translates as ‘mood’ or ‘propensity’, and the Three Gunas — sattva, rajas, and tamas — describe a particular psychology. Each reflects the qualities of particular states of mind, with sattva representing equilibrium and balance, rajas portraying a restless, energetic quality, and tamas being lethargy and inertia.
The Three Gunas explain how bad things can happen to good people. It is believed that each individual engages in activities or has thoughts that result in either sattva, rajas, or tamas. So, it could be argued that bad things happen to good people because of the choices they make. For example, if one is constantly exposed to a negative environment or has negative thoughts, then this could be the source of the suffering that is being endured.
The Value of Patience and Perseverance
Hinduism emphasizes patience and perseverance as important qualities for overcoming difficulty. It is believed that one can become stronger and wiser with the passing of time and the difficult circumstances that we go through. The fact that we are forced to go through difficult times can often be seen as a blessing; Pandit Vishwanath Shukla, an eminent Hindu philosopher and teacher, explains that “we must never forget that it takes pressure to produce diamonds.”
The importance of patience and perseverance is also seen in the Bhagavad Gita, a seminal Hindu text. In one of its famous hymns, the Lord Krishna tells Arjuna to be patient, assuring him that the difficulties will eventually pass. This concept is also seen in other faiths, such as Christianity, where people are encouraged to remain resilient even in the face of adversity.
Present Mindfulness
Acharya Sri Sankara, a revered Hindu philosopher and saint, once said that “spirituality lies in seeing the universe without any delusion.” Mindfulness is a key aspect of Hinduism, and an important coping mechanism for facing adversity. When we are present and mindful of our thoughts, feelings, and the circumstances around us, we can become more aware of our thoughts and the potential hidden sources of pain that may be at play.
Hinduism encourages a form of mindfulness that is non-judgmental and open to whatever life brings. This is known as sahaja Samadhi and it requires that one remain equanimous in the face of any situation or circumstance.
The Power of Dharma
The concept of ‘dharma’, or righteousness, is central to Hinduism. Dharma is the correct and proper path one must take in life, and it is intimately connected to one’s karma, or work. Following one’s dharma or calling in life is seen as the key to success, and is the ultimate source of strength and peace.
A famous story in Hinduism is that of Karna. Despite being born to a lower class family, he kept his promise and showed loyalty to his mentor Drona, even when Drona sided with the Kauravas in the Mahabharata war. His story is a clear illustration of how important dharma is: he persevered, remained true to his dharma, and came out stronger.
The Power of Prayer
Hinduism also places great emphasis on the power of prayer and devotion. Devotional chants, prayer beads, and mantras are all seen as powerful tools for calming the mind, finding inner peace, and accepting the journey of life with dignity and grace.
Devotional prayer and meditation are seen as powerful ways to access inner strength and courage. Chanting prayers and mantras can also be seen as a reminder to stay focused on the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or future. Focusing on the moment can help us to accept suffering and move on from difficult times.
The Need for a Supportive Community
Hinduism stresses the importance of having a supportive community of friends, family, and mentors who can help us through difficult times. This could be in the form of religious gatherings or ritualistic celebrations, which allow us to come together and express our emotions in a positive way. Religion and spirituality provide powerful tools for connecting with like-minded individuals and accessing wisdom during rough times.
Additionally, Hinduism places an emphasis on the role of a guru or teacher who can help an individual on their spiritual path. Having someone experienced that one can trust and talk to can be an invaluable source of support and strength.
The Significance of Self-Discipline and Action
Finally, Hinduism encourages individuals to take ownership of their destiny. Self-discipline and continuous effort are seen as important qualities for overcoming any difficulty. Taking the appropriate and timely action is seen as one of the most potent ways to conquer adversity.
Given that the Three Gunas can act as the source of suffering and pain, it is up to each individual to practice self-comforting skills and take action in order to bring about a positive shift. One should not wait for external sources to intervene, but rather take an active role in bringing about change.
The Doctrine of Karma
A key concept in Hinduism is that of karma, which means ‘action’. Karma is the idea that our actions and intentions determine the course of our lives, and that our current circumstances are the result of actions taken in the past. By engaging in positive actions, one can alter their present situation and create beneficial circumstances in the future. It is believed that the law of karma will express itself, and so if we practice good deeds, our lives shall also be blessed with goodness.
The Sanskrit term for karma is ‘vipaka’, meaning ‘results’. This implies that our actions, both good and bad, will eventually have consequences. Hindus believe that our destiny is) not predetermined, and that it is up to us to make wise choices and take appropriate action in order to shape our lives.
The Role of Grace and Divine Intervention
A final aspect of Hinduism is the concept of grace and divine intervention, which emphasizes that although we have the power to change our destiny, the ultimate path of our lives is under the divine will. Hindus often pray to their favoured deities for assistance in difficult times, trusting that their prayers will be answered.
Key figures in Hinduism also emphasize the importance of grace. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the divine grace (bhagavad prasad) that one can receive if they wholly surrender to the divine will. Similarly, devotees of Krishna often chant the prayer: “O God, grant me a drop of Your grace so that I may cross this ocean of suffering.”
The Role of Discipline and Developing a Support Network
It is important that Hindus exercise discipline and develop a strong network of supportive individuals to help them through difficult and adverse times. Respect-filled relationships with family members, as well as with teachers and mentors, can be invaluable sources of inspiration and coping skills. Additionally, it is important to cultivate healthy habits, such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness in order to develop inner peace and mental equilibrium.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Positive thinking is a critical tool for overcoming adversity and can be particularly beneficial in especially trying times. Hindus believe that we can discover our true potential by staying positive and developing a good attitude, even in the face of hostility or difficulty.
Several Hindu texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize the importance of having a positive attitude. The popular Hindu deity Hanuman is an example of how powerful the power of faith and positive thinking can be. By remaining focused on his beloved Lord Rama, Hanuman was able to overcome countless obstacles and achieve his goals.
The Importance of Knowing That Life is Not Permanent
It is important to keep in mind that life is not permanent — bad things, even when they appear overwhelming, will eventually pass. Hindus believe that life is full of inevitable cycles, and so suffering, while a valid experience, is not the final reality. The peaceful knowledge that everything eventually passes can be a great source of comfort in times of distress.
Hinduism encourages one to accept and learn from these struggles, so that the transient pain of bad experiences can be channeled into a deeper understanding of life and its many facets. By accepting life’s changes and having faith in its eventual good, we emerge stronger and wiser for having weathered the storm.
