Life is not easy; it’s full of ups and downs. Every human being experiences pain and suffering. Even though it is difficult, there is always something to gain. Buddha was an Indian prince who gave up his life of luxury and wealth to become a traveller; later, he attained enlightenment while travelling. Further, Buddha teaches us to learn from pain and suffering and live fulfilling lives. These Buddha quotes on suffering will help you learn lessons from your pain and move towards the positive aspects of everything.
What is Suffering?
Suffering is of two kinds: physical and emotional. Generally, we feel miserable when we feel unsatisfied with our lives and our desires are unfulfilled, so we experience disappointment, betrayal, jealousy, abandonment, etc. Another form is physical misery, and it is due to difficult circumstances like war, death, disasters, etc. Furthermore, the third form of grief is due to illness. Suffering, or dukkha, is the first of the noble truths explained by Buddha. He teaches us how we can train our minds to face difficult circumstances.
The Fundamental Teaching Of Buddhism Is “The Four Noble Truths”
The main teachings in Buddhism are the four noble truths. It explains the truth about life and reality. Every human being, regardless of age, background, race, or gender, has one thing in common: suffering.
Grief and sorrow are attached to every person. Buddha discovered how misery starts and ends. In his four noble truths, he explains:
1. “Life is unhappy or unsatisfactory, and suffering is an inescapable part of life.” — Dukkha
2. “The roots of suffering are greed, ignorance, and hatred” —Samudaya
3. “Suffering ends when craving ends.” — Nirodha
4. “We can end craving or desire by following the Buddha’s path (8-fold path).” — Magga
The Buddha has many teachings about how to understand life. His teachings naturally center on how we can better ourselves. Buddha’s quotes on suffering are powerful enough to enlighten us to look at suffering from different points of view.
21 Amazing And Inspiring Buddha Quotes On Suffering
The cause of all pain and suffering is ignorance.
Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.
People suffer because they are caught in their views. As soon as we release those views, we are free and we don’t suffer anymore.
The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.
Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.
Suffering is wishing things were other than they are.
Anxiety, the illness of our time, comes primarily from our inability to dwell in the present moment.
Pain is certain, suffering is optional.
The root of suffering is attachment.
Remembering a wrong is like carrying a burden on the mind.
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.
Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it.
Quotes on Suffering by Buddha
Know what Buddha means by suffering? These Buddha quotes on suffering will help you see your trials in a new light. More importantly, you will see your suffering as a blessing after that.
Do not lose yourself in the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. Do not get caught in your anger, worries, or fears. Come back to the present moment, and touch life deeply. This is mindfulness.
Only within our body, with its heart and mind, can bondage and suffering be found, and only here can we find true liberation.
Letting go of our suffering is the hardest work we will ever do.
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.
Those who are truly wise will remain unmoved by feelings of happiness and suffering, fame and disgrace, praise and blame, gain and loss. They will remain calm like the eye of a hurricane.
Understand the suffering of worldly existence. Abandon its causes of ignorance and selfishness. Practice the path of meditation and compassion. Awaken from suffering within Great Peace.
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.
May I hold myself in compassion. May I meet the suffering and ignorance of others with compassion.
Conclusion
Every human being experiences pain and misery. It’s part of life. Although it’s tough, these Buddha quotes on suffering free us from pain and incarnate them into reality. Moreover, these quotes help us look at suffering from a different perspective. Enjoy!
Also Read: Live your life, don’t look back; even if you have to fake your happiness, do it but never be weak and dishearten yourself.
