Don't be imprisoned by your suffering
By Thich Nhat Hanh
Buddha was not a god. He was a human being just as you and me, and he suffered just as we do. If we go to the Buddha with our hearts open, he will look at us, his eyes full of compassion, and say, 'Because there is suffering in your heart, it is possible for you to enter my heart.'
For forty-five years, the Buddha said over and over again, 'I teach only suffering and the transformation of suffering.' When we recognise and acknowledge our own suffering, the Buddha – which means the Buddha in us – will look at it, discover what has brought it about, and prescribe a course of action that can transform it into peace, joy and liberation. Suffering is the means the Buddha used to liberate himself, and it is also how we can become free.
The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. 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. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don't overlook the healthy trees. Even with pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life – beautiful sunsets, smiles of a child, flowers and trees. To suffer is not enough. Please don't be imprisoned by your suffering.
If you have experienced hunger, you know that having food is a miracle. If you have suffered from cold, you know the preciousness of warmth. When you have suffered, you know how to appreciate elements of paradise that are present.
Don't ignore your suffering, but don't forget to enjoy wonders of life, for your sake and for benefit of many human beings.
I grew up in the time of war. There was destruction all around – children, adults, values, and a whole country. As a young person, I suffered a lot. Once the door of awareness has been opened, you cannot close it. Wounds of war in me are still not healed. There are nights I lie awake and embrace my people, my country, and the whole planet with my mindful breathing.
Without suffering, you cannot grow. Without suffering, you cannot get the peace and joy you deserve. Please don't run away from your suffering. Embrace and cherish it. Go to the Buddha, sit with him and show him your pain. He will look at you with loving-kindness, compassion and mindfulness, and show you ways to embrace your suffering and look deeply into it. With understanding and compassion, you will be able to heal wounds in your heart and wounds in the world. The Buddha called suffering a Noble Truth, because our suffering has capacity of showing us the path to liberation . Embrace your suffering, and let it reveal to you the way to peace.
Thich Nhat Hanh's community is celebrating Buddha Purnima on Monday evening, May 12,2025, in Delhi
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