Transforming Pain Into Wisdom

Inspiration - RKT Newsletter

August 2025

Quote

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 )

From the Editor’s Desk

Transforming Pain into Wisdom

Life’s challenges can be like unpolished stones – rough, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful to hold. Yet, when we respond to these moments with patience, reflection, and faith, they can become the very chisels that shape us into more compassionate, resilient, and spiritually mature beings.

On the path of Bhakti, our scriptures teach that pain is not a punishment; it is often divine grace in disguise. In enduring and reflecting on the outcome of pain, we discover that pain has a higher purpose – it can cleanse our hearts, deepen our dependence on God, and draw us closer to Him. When viewed in this light, every hardship becomes a classroom, every tear a teacher, and every challenge an opportunity to grow in wisdom.

Bhakti Ras

The Meaning of Pain in Spiritual Life

From the Bhakti perspective, pain is not merely an unpleasant experience to be avoided – it can be one of the most potent catalysts for spiritual growth. The Bhagavad Gita opens with Arjun in the depths of grief and confusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. His bow slips from his hands, his limbs tremble, and his mind reels at the thought of fighting his own kin. Rather than dismissing his anguish, Shree Krishna uses this moment to reveal profound spiritual truths.

In Bhakti, pain is not interpreted as a challenge to be lamented over, but as divine instruction for spiritual growth. When viewed through the lens of spiritual wisdom, it becomes a purifier, a teacher, and a reminder of our eternal relationship with the Lord.

Types of Pain and Their Spiritual Significance

Painful circumstances fall into four categories as experienced in our daily lives:

• Physical Pain: Examples include injuries, illness, and bodily discomfort that remind us of the body’s fragility.
• Mental Pain: Examples include worry, fear, anxiety, and loneliness, which challenge the stability of the mind.
• Emotional Pain: Examples include grief over loss, heartbreak, betrayal, and other blows to the heart’s affections.
• Existential Pain: Examples include the subtle unrest and dissatisfaction that arise from separation from God, even if we do not consciously recognize its spiritual root.

All these forms of pain are symptoms of our forgetfulness of the Divine (i.e., state of vimukhta), and their ultimate purpose is to guide us back to the eternal refuge of God.

How Pain Becomes Wisdom

The transformation of pain into wisdom is not automatic – it unfolds through a conscious, spiritually guided process.

1. Recognition of Impermanence: Pain strips away the illusion that worldly possessions, relationships, and achievements can offer lasting security. History is rich with saints who embraced suffering, not as a curse, but as a chance to deepen their love for God. Meerabai was poisoned, ridiculed, and driven from her home. Yet she sang with even greater fervor, “Mere to Giridhar Gopal, doosro na koi” (i.e., Giridhar Gopal alone is mine, no one else). She recognized the value of surrendering to her eternal relative.
2. Purification of the Heart: In The Power of Thoughts, Swami Mukundananda likened adversity to fire refining gold. It burns away pride, ego, and unhealthy attachments, making the heart ready to receive divine grace.
3. Deepened Faith and Surrender: Pain reveals the limits of human strength and self-reliance. It drives the soul toward God as the only unfailing refuge. This was the wisdom of Kunti Devi, who asked Shree Krishna for calamities so that her mind would be connected to Him constantly during difficult times. Swami Mukundananda explains that true surrender is not resignation but aligning our will with God’s and trusting His purpose even when it is hidden from us.
4. Development of Empathy and Compassion: Wisdom is not complete without compassion. Having endured trials ourselves, we understand and respond to others’ pain with genuine empathy. Saints, having known the agony of spiritual separation, dedicate themselves to alleviating the suffering of others, whether it be the Rishis of Dandakaranya or contemporary spiritual guides tirelessly counselling those in distress.

Types of Pain and Their Spiritual Significance

For the devotee, pain is never wasted. It is a divine instrument, carefully tuned to draw the soul closer to the Lord. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj advised, “Do not pray for the removal of sorrows. Pray instead that your mind may remain fixed on Shree Krishna, no matter what happens.” Total reliance upon God results in Him reciprocating the sentiments. However, the difference is that our devotional sentiments are material, whereas God’s reciprocal graces are divine.

This wisdom is communicated in the Bhagavad Gita (9.22) where Shree Krishna assures that “There are those who always think of Me and engage in exclusive devotion to Me. To them, whose minds are always absorbed in Me, I provide what they lack and preserve what they already possess.” Often, it is in our most fragile moments that this divine understanding is bestowed. As the temporary securities of the world fade, the eternal shelter of God’s love becomes unmistakable. As Swamiji noted in The Art & Science of Happiness: “In the school of life, pain can be the most effective teacher. When received with the right mindset, it purifies our heart of pride, attachment, and illusion, making it fertile ground for devotion.”

Living the Wisdom

Transforming pain into wisdom requires more than endurance – it calls for reflection, guidance from the scriptures and the Guru, and the grace of God. Each trial can become a verse in our book of wisdom, each tear a silent prayer, and each recovery a step toward the truth that our joy lies only in Him.

When welcomed in this way, pain becomes a silent saint – demanding, uncompromising, but entirely devoted to leading the soul home.

Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom

A Knock at the Right Door

Dr. Prasad, a world-renowned neurosurgeon in Mumbai, was flying to Kolkata to receive a lifetime achievement award at the World Neurological Conference. Right before landing, the plane developed severe technical problems, and the pilot had to redirect the flight to Jamshedpur Airport. Since Kolkata was only four hours away by road, Dr. Prasad hired a taxi. A storm hit halfway through, and the taxi broke down. Dr. Prasad walked to a nearby house and knocked on the door. A poor woman opened the door, and Dr. Prasad requested to use a phone. The woman replied that they did not have one and warmly invited him in for tea and biscuits, which he accepted. As he sipped the tea, he noticed the family was preparing for their evening prayers. When they asked him to join, Dr. Prasad said he did not believe in God.

The woman spoke of her faith. She mentioned how they had two cows that gave them milk, how the rain fell from the sky, and how she believed these were God’s powers. Dr. Prasad listened but remained quiet. Dr. Prasad’s attention went towards her teenage son, who was behaving strangely. The woman’s husband explained that the boy had epilepsy. Doctors had said he needed a special brain surgery, and the only doctor in India capable of performing it was Dr. Prasad from Mumbai. The husband had told his wife that they were too poor to travel to Mumbai, but she said that God was in control, so they should leave the matter at the lotus feet of Shree Krishna. She trusted that if it was meant to be, the solution would come to their door. Dr. Prasad sat in silence, realizing that his obstacles had led him straight to the people who needed him most.

Practical wisdom:

• The family was poor, due to which the boy’s condition went untreated. They accepted and endured the pain, remaining focused on living a life centered on remembering God and keeping Him in their hearts. The ability to tolerate pain is essential for spiritual progress. Both pain and happiness are temporary emotions. The family found strength and peace by keeping their focus on a higher power.
• The solution, Dr. Prasad, arrived right at the woman’s doorstep, showing the strength that comes from living with the knowledge of faith. By fully surrendering her situation to Shree Krishna and placing complete trust in His grace, she unlocked the door for the miracle that took place. 

Youth Insights

Finding Strength in Our Struggles

As youth, we all face moments that hurt. For example, rejection from a friend group, pressure from school, family struggles, or even just the uncertainty of figuring out who we are. Pain often feels like something we just want to escape from. But what if pain isn’t only something to run away from, but also something we can grow through?
Pain has a way of teaching us lessons that textbooks and classrooms cannot. Our struggles shape us into stronger, more compassionate people.
Here are some ways we, as youth, can start transforming pain into wisdom:

1. Let yourself feel it. Ignoring pain doesn’t make it go away; it just pushes it deeper. Journaling, talking, or even sitting quietly and admitting it to yourself (e.g., “This hurts!”), is the first step to growing through it.
2. Lean on people you trust. We sometimes think being strong means dealing with everything alone. But opening up to a friend, mentor, or even just being around community reminds us we don’t have to carry everything by ourselves.
3. Look for the lesson. Not everything will make sense right away. But asking ourselves, “What did this teach me?” helps us turn even tough situations into fuel for growth.
4. Give it time. Sometimes wisdom only shows up later. What feels heavy now may be a key turning point in your life. Allow the passage of time to reveal the truth.

As youth, we don’t have to wait until we are older to live with wisdom. Every challenge we face gives us the chance to grow into more resilient, thoughtful, and compassionate people. Instead of letting pain constrict our hearts, we can choose to open up to help ourselves and others on the journey.

Holistic Health Tidbits

Embracing Wisdom from Pain

Pain is often seen as the enemy in our health and fitness journeys — something to avoid, suppress, or push through. But what if pain is not a sign of weakness, but a messenger of wisdom? Physical, emotional, or mental pain has the potential to teach us powerful lessons if we choose to listen and learn from them.

In fitness, pain can manifest in various forms, including injury, fatigue, or the emotional disappointment of not meeting a goal. These moments can feel like setbacks, but they are often signals inviting us to pause, reassess, and grow. For example, an injury can teach the importance of maintaining proper form, taking adequate rest, and engaging in effective recovery. Overtraining and burnout can highlight the need for balance and self-compassion. Pain becomes the teacher when we shift from judgment to curiosity.

Awareness is Half the Battle

Turning pain into wisdom begins with awareness. Think: What is this trying to teach me? Is it revealing a misalignment in my workout routine? Is it a deeper emotional pattern tied to body image or self-worth? Wisdom lies in recognizing that health is not about perfection but about tuning in to the body’s feedback and honoring its needs.

Pain can also awaken a deeper resilience. Many of us discover our inner strength when we rise from injury, illness, or struggle with greater clarity and purpose. The person who rebuilds after a surgery often gains a more sustainable, long-term relationship with fitness. The person who heals from disordered eating may become a compassionate advocate for body positivity. These transformations show that wisdom can evolve from pain – when a person is dedicated to awareness.

Practical Tips to Move Forward

We have heard the statement, “No pain, no gain.” That does not mean pain is required. However, if we practice awareness and mindful movement, allow space for recovery, and reframe setbacks, we will develop a deeper connection with our bodies.  Consider engaging professional support from a trainer, physical therapist, or mental coach to sustain motivation or catalyze your practice. Journaling and sharing our experiences with others can increase self-awareness and expand our knowledge and support network (as was mentioned in the Youth section). Pain may mark the path, but wisdom is the reward that guides us to a healthier, more resilient, and compassionate version of ourselves.

दु:खेष्वनुद्विग्नमना: सुखेषु विगतस्पृह: | वीतरागभयक्रोध: स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते || 56||

duḥkheṣhv-anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣhu vigata-spṛihaḥ vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ sthita-dhīr munir uchyate

One whose mind remains undisturbed amidst misery, who does not crave for pleasure, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom. ( Bhagavad Gita 2.56)

Reflection Questions

Bhakti Ras / Inspiration

Think about a painful experience within the last six months. Reflect on what you learned from it that could not have been learned in any other way. How did that experience and wisdom change your perspective on painful experiences?

Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom

How did the woman respond to the difficult circumstances with her son, despite not having the money for his care?

Youth Insights

When was a time you went through something painful that later taught you an important lesson?

Holistic Health Tidbits

What has your body been trying to teach you through the pain you’ve experienced, and how can you use that lesson to improve your health and fitness moving forward?

Upcoming Events September 2025

The upcoming month of September is also filled with many auspicious events at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (RKT; Allen).

Ganesh Visarjan

Lord Ganesh Visarjan marks the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, a vibrant celebration of Lord Ganesha's presence among his devotees. It will be held at RKT on September 6^th from 6:00 PM onward.

We invite the community to join us for the respectful and environmentally conscious immersion of the Ganesh idol, marking the conclusion of the festival.

It is significant for a variety of reasons:

• Symbolic Farewell: It signifies Lord Ganesha's return to his divine abode after his earthly visit, promising to return the following year.
• Remembrance of the Cycle of Creation and Dissolution: The immersion of the idol, typically made of clay, symbolizes the cycle of birth, life, and death, reinforcing the impermanence of all things and emphasizing the importance of detaching from material possessions.
• Faith in the Removal of Obstacles: It is believed that Lord Ganesha takes with him any obstacles or negativity from the homes of his devotees as he departs, leaving behind happiness and prosperity.
• Spiritual and Communal Unity: Ganesh Visarjan fosters a sense of community, devotion, and collective celebration among people as they come together to bid farewell to their beloved deity, strengthening social bonds and cultural traditions.

JKYog Dallas Spiritual Retreat 2025

A spiritual retreat with Swami Mukundananda ji is the most inspirational, devotional, life-transforming, and blissful of all programs. Hundreds of devotees take advantage of the opportunity to “leave the whole world behind” and focus on sadhana. For Dallasites (and those who can travel there!), this is the best opportunity to give yourselves the gift of sadhana time for your inner spiritual aspirations.

Swamiji’s discourses will focus on the most devotional Narad Bhakti Darshan. We will also return to the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas to celebrate the beautiful and devotional Radhashtami. 

In addition, devotees can participate in yoga, pranayam, meditation, kirtans, lectures, parikrama, and other interactive activities. There are parallel activities for youth and Bal-Mukund kids, so participants do not need to worry about childcare or the quality of knowledge disseminated to youngsters. 

Most of all, no one should miss the opportunity to connect with Swamiji – a source of inspiration, divine knowledge, bliss, and spiritual growth.

Registration includes lodging and meals throughout the stay, as well as parking at the hotel. Once you arrive, there is nothing to worry about for the duration of the retreat!

• Dates: August 30 to September 1, 2025 (Saturday to Monday)
• Venue: Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson: 5101 N President George Bush Hwy, Garland, TX, 75043, USA
• Registration: Register now if not done already! Time is running out! 

Navratri & Dussehra Celebrations

The upcoming sacred Navratri celebrates Mother Durga's myriad forms for nine days. The Mother of the Universe is filled with infinite Shaktis, but her most endearing quality is her compassion for souls caught in the endless cycle of life and death. When we seek refuge in our divine mother, Shree Radha Rani, and surrender to her, she takes charge of our lives, protects us, and helps us to meet Shree Krishna.

Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami is celebrated on the day after Navratri, or the 10^th day of this festival. On this day, devotees gather to celebrate the triumph of Shree Ram over Ravan in the Lanka war. Following a colossal war, Shree Ram slayed the 10-headed Ravan and was reunited with Mother Sita, one of the forms of the Mother of the Universe. It is also a commemoration of the triumph of good over evil, which is described in the Ramayan and many other Vedic texts.

Join us for numerous devotional and exciting free activities for ten days, from September 21^st to October 1, for 10-11 glorious days. Stay tuned for the detailed schedule of activities, including nine days of various poojas and garba.

Catch a glimpse of the garba from last year’s celebrations!