I caught a virus whilst in India this time and ended up having one of the most painful after effects - sore joints- not one but many - sometimes all together and other times one after the other. I also had to take time off work, stop exercising, could drive my car and at time couldn't do simple things like open a bottle cap or lock the door or lift my laptop. This has been going on for 3 months now. Though the severity of the pain has come down, I am still going through phases of pain limiting my activity. During these times, I have asked myself more than once - What is the purpose of pain? These are some of the things that occurred to me
- While joy brings expansion, pain brings depth and focus. It brings you back into the present moment. Just think about when you had a toothache. you whole consciousness was concentrated on one tooth.
- Pain helps us to appreciate the pain-free moments of life
- Pain tests your faith and strength, it challenges your Tamas. you can either complain and slip into deeper inertia or take it as a challenge and rise up.
- Nothing including pain lasts forever. you need patience and prayer to go through it
- Going through a painful phase is burning some negative Karma. If on the spiritual path and you are going through pain, know that nature is trying to clear off a big chunk of your Karmic debt. Realise that you are getting rid of some unwanted stuff and be grateful. This is the time for intense Sadhana. Sadhana brings you strength and surrender helps you not to blame, but let go
- Know that you are beyond pain and pleasure. Pain and pleasure are intense sensations. They are two sides of the same coin and come in equal dosages. The wise treat both similarly.
- Remember what Buddha said - Pain is inevitable, but suffering in optional
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