Our Pain and Suffering: Self-Created or Self-Invited?

A Spiritual Perspective from Sanatan Dharma and the Bhagavad Gita

Pain and suffering are an inseparable part of human existence, yet their origin remains a subject of deep contemplation. From a spiritual standpoint, Sanatan Dharma teaches us that every suffering we face is either self-created or self-invited. Our scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize that our past karma, choices, and mental conditioning play a crucial role in shaping our experiences.

Understanding Suffering: The Law of Karma

Sanatan Dharma is rooted in the concept of Karma—the universal law of cause and effect. Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, explains:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)

Translation:"You have the right to perform your duty, but never to the fruits thereof. Do not be attached to the results of your actions, nor be attached to inaction."

This verse reveals a deep truth—our actions (karma) shape our present and future experiences. When we suffer, it is often the result of our past actions, knowingly or unknowingly committed. The seeds of our present suffering were sown in our past thoughts, deeds, and attitudes.

Self-Created Pain: The Mind as the Cause

The greatest creator of suffering is the mind. Bhagavad Gita 6.5 states:

उद्धरेदात्मनाऽऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥(Bhagavad Gita 6.5)

Translation:"A person must uplift himself by his own mind and not degrade himself. The mind is a friend to those who control it, but it acts as an enemy to those who do not."

Our own thoughts and emotions create suffering when we:

1. Attach to Expectations – Expecting people, situations, or outcomes to be a certain way often leads to disappointment.

2. Cling to the Past – Regretting past decisions or holding onto painful memories deepens suffering.

3. Live in Fear of the Future – Worrying about things beyond our control drains our present joy.

4. Lack Self-Awareness – Ignoring our inner nature and desires leads to conflicts and unhappiness.

Self-Invited Suffering: The Power of Free Will

Sanatan Dharma also acknowledges that suffering can be self-invited by making unwise choices. We attract pain through:

• Association with toxic people or environments

• Engaging in actions against Dharma (righteousness)

• Ignoring divine wisdom and intuition

• Overindulging in material desires

Krishna warns in the Bhagavad Gita:

ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते।सङ्गात् संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते॥(Bhagavad Gita 2.62)

Translation:"By contemplating objects of the senses, attachment develops. From attachment arises desire, and from desire, anger develops."

This cycle of desire, attachment, and frustration leads to suffering, and we invite it by failing to control our impulses.

Healing: The Spiritual Approach is Supreme

Modern medicine focuses only on treating the body, but healing must happen at deeper levels. The Bhagavad Gita provides a clear hierarchy of human existence:

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः।मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः॥(Bhagavad Gita 3.42)

Translation:"The senses are superior to the body. The mind is higher than the senses. The intellect is higher than the mind. But the soul is the highest of all."

This verse shows that healing at the physical level (body) is the lowest form, while healing at the soul level (spirituality) is the highest.

• Body-level healing (Allopathy, Surgery, Medicines): Temporary relief, but does not address deeper causes.

• Sense-level healing (Pleasure, Entertainment): Distracts from pain but is fleeting.

• Mind-level healing (Psychology, Counseling, Affirmations): Helps with emotions but does not touch karmic roots.

• Intellect-level healing (Spiritual Knowledge, Meditation, Self-Realization): Transforms perception and reduces suffering.

• Soul-level healing (Bhakti, Dharma, Surrender to the Divine): Leads to complete liberation (moksha).

Why Alternative Healing is More Effective?

Alternative healing techniques such as Family Constellations, Ayurveda, Energy Healing, and Meditation work at deeper levels (mind, intellect, and soul), making them much more effective in the long term. Unlike allopathy, which suppresses symptoms, these methods release karmic patterns, heal emotional wounds, and align us with our higher purpose.

Liberation from Suffering: The Path of Awareness and Devotion

The Bhagavad Gita offers a solution—detachment and surrender to the Divine. Krishna assures:

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥(Bhagavad Gita 18.66)

Translation:"Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."

True liberation (moksha) comes when we:

1. Accept responsibility for our actions instead of blaming others.

2. Practice self-discipline by controlling the mind and senses.

3. Follow the path of Dharma to avoid inviting unnecessary suffering.

4. Engage in Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (wisdom), and Karma Yoga (selfless action) to transcend suffering.

Conclusion

Suffering is neither an external punishment nor a random occurrence. It is a consequence of our past and present actions, thoughts, and decisions. By understanding the root cause—our own mind and choices—we can take charge of our destiny.

Instead of asking, “Why am I suffering?” we must ask, “How can I transform my suffering into wisdom and growth?” The answer lies within us, for as Krishna teaches, the mind can be our greatest friend or our worst enemy—the choice is ours.