One of the most difficult things in life is seeing those we love suffering. Unfortunately, the only thing more pervasive than our own suffering is the suffering of others. Everywhere we look there are people struggling with unsated desires, everything from the desire for material wealth to the desire to be free from pain.
I heard a story once about a guru who was dying from a rare and painful form of cancer. His students came to him and said, "How could this happen to you, one who is supposed to be enlightened? Why are you being forced to suffer so?" The guru responded, "It is not my suffering you see, but your own."
I am trying to remember that it is not my place to judge the experiences of others. What I perceive as suffering may be an important life lesson. Who am I to try to stand between the ones I love and their pain? That pain may very well come bearing gifts that I cannot understand.
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