Inspiration - RKT Newsletter
May 2025
Quote
कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिण: |
जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ता: पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम् || 51||
karma-jam buddhi-yukta hi phalam tyaktva manishinah
janma-bandha-vinirmuktah padam gachchhanty-anamayam
The wise endowed with equanimity of intellect, abandon attachment to the fruits of actions, which bind one to the cycle of life and death. By working in such consciousness, they attain the state beyond all suffering ( Bhagavad Gita 2.51 )
From the Editor’s Desk
Suffering can be seen as a stepping stone for spiritual growth. It offers opportunities to deepen faith, strengthen character, and cultivate hope. It often leads to increased humility, empathy, compassion, and a more profound understanding of oneself, the purpose of life, and God. While suffering is never pleasant, it can be a catalyst for transformation and a means to align oneself with the will of God (the first principle of surrender to God).
This issue of Inspiration presents the value of suffering from different perspectives and the lessons to learn and teach those dealing with suffering in their lives.
Bhakti Ras
What Suffering Teaches Us About Letting Go
Suffering is a universal human experience that encompasses physical pain, emotional distress, psychological struggles, and spiritual challenges. It can arise from a variety of sources, for example, illness, loss, injustice, failure, natural disasters, or personal hardships. It affects people across all cultures, beliefs, and walks of life.
The Shrimad Bhagavatam (3.6.6) offers a very comprehensive explanation of the types and causes of suffering that living beings experience.
Types and Causes of Suffering
1. Adiatmik (physical or mental suffering caused by our own body or mind). As the description suggests, this form of suffering originates within the self, encompassing mental anguish, inner conflicts, emotional pain, anxiety, existential dissatisfaction, or depression.
Adiatmik suffering is considered the most profound, as it relates directly to the soul’s journey. This suffering stems from ignorance and misidentification of the self with the body and mind, rather than identification as the eternal soul. Overcoming this suffering involves deep and continuous spiritual practice (i.e., sadhana).
2. Adibhautik (suffering inflicted by other living beings – humans or animals). This form of suffering arises from the external, material world. It includes pain caused by accidents, injury, or illness, or harm inflicted by animals (i.e., bites, attacks) or other people (i.e., physical or emotional abuse).
Adibhautik suffering reflects the transient and often unpredictable nature of the Mayic or material world. It reminds individuals of the impermanence of bodily comfort and encourages detachment from material existence.
3. Adidaivik (suffering due to elements of nature or God’s desire). This type of suffering is believed to come from divine or cosmic forces that are beyond human control. For example, suffering due to natural calamities such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, or unforeseen misfortunes.
Adidaivik suffering is often linked with one’s prarabdh karm. In this view, suffering may be the result of karmic debt from past lives or divine lessons meant to guide the soul toward spiritual growth.
In essence, suffering occurs because we live in a world that is imperfect, unpredictable, and often beyond our control. Yet, how individuals interpret and respond to suffering can significantly shape their personal growth, worldview, and spiritual journey. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” a better question would be, “What am I holding onto that is not God?” or “What am I supposed to learn from this situation?”
The Root of Our Suffering
Swami Mukundananda ji reminds us that this world is a place of pain and suffering because it lies in the material realm, where nothing is permanent. Our suffering arises when we cling to what is temporary and expect it to give us lasting fulfillment. As Shree Krishna beautifully explained to Arjun:
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदु:खदा: |
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत || 14||
matra-sparshas tu kaunteya shitoshna-sukha-duhkha-dah
agamapayino ’nityas tans-titikshasva bharata
O son of Kunti, the contact between the senses and the sense objects gives rise to fleeting perceptions of happiness and distress. These are non-permanent, and come and go like the winter and summer seasons. O descendent of Bharat, one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed. ( Bhagavad Gita 2.14 )
This verse reminds us that suffering is an inevitable part of this material world. The more we make the mistake of relishing the sense objects as sources of true happiness, the more entangled we become in these temporary attachments.
How Suffering Reveals Our Attachments
In his teachings, Buddha also explained that [material] desire is the root of suffering. When we examine our pain or discomfort closely, we often find that it comes from trying to control, possess, or resist something that we do not want to experience.
When we do not get what we desire, we grieve the imagined version of how things would have been had we gotten what we desired. Even small disappointments can stir anger and dejection when they touch something to which we have unknowingly become attached.
Every loss, disappointment, or heartbreak reveals an underlying attachment to people, outcomes, roles, identities, or emotions. It is important to realize that what we can get can also be just as easily taken away from us, given the dualities that exist in this world.
Learning To Let Go
When we begin to see pain as a mirror reflecting our misplaced dependencies, we slowly uncover that happiness lies in changing our understanding of its true source.
The practice of Sadhan Bhakti (i.e., preliminary devotion) teaches us that detachment will gradually help us to realize that the joy we are seeking cannot be found in material things. As we release our attachments from outcomes and possessions, we create space for a deeper connection with the Divine. Swamiji simply and clearly explains how to let go of the material bondage to which we are attached.
This way of thinking will allow us to consciously decide the direction and source of our true and permanent happiness. Every moment of loss in the material world becomes a reminder of this important fundamental principle. This makes us receptive to where real happiness lies, which is in the infinite ocean of bliss that is God.
Practicing Detachment in Our Lives
True detachment means renouncing the illusion that this world can satisfy our eternal needs and believing that our happiness is with God. However, as materially conditioned souls, we are used to reaching toward the external world for immediate fulfillment. We also get attached to comfort, praise, control, and even our own spiritual progress.
The good news is that Shree Krishna does not expect perfection from us, only our sincerity. Detachment can be cultivated in small, consistent ways and slowly gets stronger as it grows.
Here are some examples of how we can begin to detach ourselves from external desires:
Accept every outcome as a lesson. When things do not go as planned, instead of spiraling into blame or discouragement, reframe the situation as a gentle reminder that material things can bring you eternal happiness.
Offer your actions as Karmyog. Whether it is work, chores, or caring for a loved one, see every action you do as a way to please God. By performing work as an offering to Shree Krishna, we can shift our focus from results to a relationship with God for His pleasure.
Practice gratitude. People, possessions, and achievements can bring temporary pleasure, but they are not the true sources. God is the true source of every joy. Whenever we experience a blessing, we must remember and thank Him.
Nourish our connection with God daily. Through prayer, kirtans, chanting,and studying scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, the mind can be taught to focus on the names, forms, virtues, pastimes, abodes, and saints of God, to get closer to Him.
By letting go of our worldly desires, we gradually become less disturbed by the shiny objects of the world, finally understanding that this world is not ours.
Finding True Freedom Through Surrender
The Bhakti Rasamrit Sindhu, Hari Bhakti Vilas (11.676), Vayu Puran, and Narada-Pancaratra have all presented the six principles of surrender to God:
आनुकूलस्य संकल्पः, प्रतिकूलस्य वर्जनम्।
रक्ष्यति इति विश्वासो, गोप्तृत्व वरणं तथा।
आत्मनिक्षेप कार्पण्ये, षड विधा शरणागतिः।
Desire in accordance with the desire of God
Not to desire against the desire of God
Have firm faith that God is protecting us
Keep an attitude of gratitude toward God
See everything we possess as belonging to God
Give up the pride of having surrendered
When we lay our burdens at the feet of God, we begin to see every joy and sorrow as part of His divine plan. In that trust, even suffering becomes meaningful.
We stop asking, “Why is this happening to me?” and begin asking, “How can I offer this to You?” Each experience becomes an opportunity to deepen our devotion. This is the hidden gift of letting go: it draws us back closer to God.
Detachment makes room in our hearts for something eternal and helps us become our best selves. As we rest in the shelter of His love, we realize what truly can never be taken away, which is our eternal relationship with God.
Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom
Good or Bad?
Once upon a time, a wild horse wandered onto a Chinese farmer’s farm. His neighbor believed it was great luck that a free horse had come to him, but the farmer did not see it that way. He believed that only God knew whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.
A few days later, the horse ran away into the wild. The neighboring farmers expressed their sympathy, indicating that this was a misfortune. The farmer continued believing that no one could truly say whether it was good or bad.
A few days went by, and the same wild horse returned, bringing twenty horses. The neighbors were sure this occurrence was an incredible blessing – like winning the lottery. The farmer’s response did not change, and he held his ground that it was impossible to judge such events as good or bad.
Shortly after, the farmer’s son was riding on one of the new horses and fell. He fractured his leg. The neighbors expressed their concern, concluding it was absolutely a bad occurrence and would not have happened if the horses had not arrived. Still, the farmer maintained his position: “Good luck or bad luck, we will see.”
Not long after this event, a war broke out between the farmer’s country and another nation. The King sent soldiers to the countryside to recruit all able-bodied young men to fight. The sons of all the neighboring farmers were taken to the battlefield. The farmer’s son, however, was left behind because of his fractured leg.
Practical Wisdom:
· The neighbors viewed the leaving of the horse and the fracture as a bad event, whereas the farmer remained calm and steady. The Kathopanishad teaches that life presents two paths: Shreya, the difficult path that leads to long-term good, and Preya, the path of comfort that ultimately leads to suffering in the end. True wisdom lies in accepting austerity in the present. The farmer trusted the bigger picture, staying grounded in the present. He found peace when others saw only chaos.
· The neighbors viewed the horse leaving and the boy’s fracture as a bad event. Suffering is an unavoidable part of life. It is through the hardships that strength and resilience are developed. This is God’s way of shaping and preparing a person for the journey that lies ahead.
Youth Insights
The Spiritual Value of Suffering – Youth Perspective
Suffering is not something any of us wants to go through. Whether it’s stress from school, losing a friendship, getting rejected, or just feeling anxious and overwhelmed, pain can make us feel stuck, confused, or even alone. But in Hinduism, suffering isn’t just a negative experience. It’s also a way to grow spiritually.
In the Mahabharata, Arjun was terrified and heartbroken before the war began. He didn’t want to fight his own family and friends. But it was in that exact moment, when he was struggling, that Lord Krishna shared the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. If Arjun hadn’t suffered, that wisdom would not have surfaced. His pain became the doorway to spiritual truth.
In our lives too, it’s often the tough times that teach us the most. When everything goes well, we don’t usually stop to reflect or pray. But when life gets hard, we begin to ask deeper questions: Why am I here? What really matters? How can I find peace? That’s when we start connecting more with our inner self—and with God.
Suffering Builds Empathy
Suffering also teaches us empathy. When we’ve been through something hard, we’re more likely to understand and support others who are hurting too. It makes our hearts softer, kinder, and more open.
What Can We Do?
So, what can we do when we’re in pain? One simple thing is to talk to God. Whether it’s through prayer, journaling, or just sitting quietly, we can share what we’re feeling. We can also serve others, even in small ways. Doing seva reminds us that we still have something valuable to give, no matter what we’re going through. And practicing gratitude—writing down even one good thing each day—can shift our perspective over time.
Suffering may not feel good, but it’s not meaningless. It can lead us toward strength, compassion, and spiritual growth. So, the next time life feels hard, let’s try not asking “Why me?” but “What is this event teaching me?” In the end, we grow not just despite the pain—but because of it.
Holistic Health Tidbits
Suffering and the Healing Journey
Many people think spirituality will remove physical suffering or solve their mental problems. However, the purpose of spirituality is to help us put things in perspective to grow closer to God. How does physical or psychological pain accomplish this? Swami Mukundananda teaches that suffering is a natural part of life, a potential source of spiritual growth, and an opportunity to deepen one's connection with the Divine. Let us explore the various possibilities.
What causes suffering?
We can trace most suffering back to our desires and choices (as explained in the above sections). Although some karmas are predetermined, many things are in our hands. We can be encouraged by our ability to positively affect our current situation simply by making better choices and minimizing harmful desires.
For example, sleeping feels good and is essential to our well-being; however, too much sleep can negatively impact our productivity and minimize our time for exercise. Similarly, fried or sweet foods taste good in the moment we eat them, but regular consumption of these things over time leads to a diminished quality of life from obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and premature death.
What is the benefit of suffering?
Suffering can catalyze change by reducing our ego, pride, and attachment. When we are young, we feel invincible. Imagine being faced with unexpected health issues. Our first inclination is to make minor changes to our habits, like eating better or exercising, but just enough so we can continue to enjoy our worldly existence. However, the severity of the issues continues to increase, and we ignore the hints along the way, which tell us we need to go deeper into the meaning of what is happening to us and why. We may go to the brink of death before realizing a new appreciation for life and how God is ultimately in control. To serve Him, we must be willing to detach ourselves from worldly desires.
The role of misery in our lives is not always a punishment. If we think otherwise, we will grow resentment and defiance towards the changes we need to make for our well-being. None of us chooses to suffer, but we may not understand why we are receiving pain until we break through our negative mindset. Lifting weights, running a mile, and eating a healthy meal may not be enjoyable initially (i.e., preya pleasure), but the long-term results are worth the short-term discomfort (i.e., shreya pleasure). Realizing this is when true enlightenment begins. Swami Mukundananda discusses Why Bad Things Happen to Good People (see Bhagavad Gita 16.22).
Reflection Questions
Bhakti Ras / Inspiration
How can suffering help us in our lives?
Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom
What is the most helpful mindset to adopt in challenging times?
Youth Insights
Think of a time when you went through something difficult. Looking back and ask yourself: What did it teach me about myself, others, or my connection with God?
Holistic Health Tidbits
What is your perspective on why you have suffering in your life, and how does it align with physical, mental and spiritual goals?
Upcoming Events
The upcoming month of June presents an amazing opportunity for everyone at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (Allen).
Dallas Yoga Fest 2025
Dallas Yoga Fest is JKYog’s flagship event which celebrates health, harmony, inner peace, and joy. The 3-day FREE program will be held in person at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas, the official Headquarters of JKYog USA. This event will be graced with the divine presence of Swami Mukundananda ji.
Are you a health enthusiast or attempting to be one? If yes, the Dallas Yoga Fest will be your guide to holistic health and happiness featuring 30+ hours of knowledge and practice sessions by authorities in yoga, meditation, internal medicine, heart health, alternative medicine, nutrition, holistic health, and more!
Become a part of an unprecedented gathering of enthusiasts to unite yogis of various cultures in one family, under one roof, bound by increased consciousness and internal healing.
Here are some unique and unparalleled features:
- Swami Mukundananda’s Keynote Address
- Various Yoga Sessions for General Wellbeing and Specialized Care
- Deep Breathing, Pranayam, and Meditation
- Sound Healing Concert for Deep Relaxation
- Educational Seminars by Health Professionals
- Ayurvedic Workshop on Journey to Wellness
- Health Fair (many free screenings and some at minimal cost; see webpage)
- Healthy Cooking Contest
- 108 Surya Namaskar at the Crack of Dawn
- An Amazing Marketplace for Health-Conscious Consumers
We encourage you to register for it even though it is free. Early registration helps us plan for space. Please review the details and frequently visit the site for updates on speakers, schedules, and additional exciting events.
· When: June 20-22, 2025
· Where: 1450 N. Watters Rd, Allen, TX 75013
· Details & Registration: https://radhakrishnatemple.net/DallasYogaFest/
