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Suffering is a sign that you're out of touch with the truth. Suffering is given to you that you might open your eyes to the truth, that you might understand that there's falsehood somewhere, just as physical pain is given to you so you will understand that there is disease or illness somewhere. Suffering points out that there is falsehood somewhere. Suffering occurs when you clash with reality. When your illusions clash with reality when your falsehoods clash with the truth, then you have suffering. Otherwise there is no suffering.

Anthony de Mello#22

TruthRealityBeliefSuffering

About this quote

What does it mean?
Suffering arises when your illusions clash with reality and serves to reveal falsehoods.
In plain terms
Pain shows you where your beliefs do not match reality.
What can you take from it?
Use suffering to find where your beliefs are wrong.

Where it applies

  • personal crisis
  • spiritual awakening
  • psychological distress

Putting it to work

  • examine beliefs
  • accept reality

Questions to consider

  • What pain are you avoiding?
  • Where do your beliefs clash with reality?

Another view

It minimizes unavoidable physical or systemic suffering.

More from Anthony de Mello

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  3. People who want a cure, provided they can have it without pain, are like those who favour progress, provided they can have it without change.

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