SUFFERING

It is often said that suffering is the greatest teacher. It is--provided we take it with the right attitude. No one escapes suffering in this world unless and until he has arrived at that state wherein he beholds, not duality, but only the One, the one beam of Light pouring through all bulbs of human flesh. Then he transcends delusion; he transcends suffering. But until then, the big and little earthquakes of sorrow and pain will continue to shake him.


—Sri Daya Mata, "Understanding the Soul's Need for God," from Finding the Joy Within You.