A student, filled with emotion and crying, implored, "Why is there so much suffering?"
Suzuki Roshi replied, "No reason." (Zen master, 1904-1971)
This Sunday I am urging you to cultivate positive experiences for yourself and for those around you and in your care. Paradoxically, a friend sent the quote on suffering to me early this morning. Let's begin with the quote, because positive experiences heal the scars of suffering.
The Suzuki quote is not what it seems on the surface. Centuries of deep philosophical thought and prayer have searched for and designed countless explanations for human suffering. These explanations, from karma to the fall of Adam, underlie all religious structures. They may satisfy many hearts, but breakdown when the onslaught of suffering becomes unmanageable and we are overwhelmed with the disconnect between modern life and religious thinking. We assume there is a reason, a cause and an effect; if we knew the cause of suffering then we could heal and prevent. But Zen is not linear logic--it cracks open the container of our assumptions. Suzuki's answer is not necessarily that there are no grounds or understanding to suffering, but rather that "reasoning" is not the way. We cannot arrive at the "answer" through such a question.
The very structure that asks the question has to give way to what is "unknowable".
That does not mean that we are left comfortless or without recourse. One of the bits of understanding being explored through modern psychology and genetic science is the benefit of positive experience. I recently attended an online medical conference that included an overview of pediatric trauma and the power of positive experiences to mitigate the impact of childhood trauma. The data was very impressive. This is increasingly important given the tragedies and turmoil that children have endured in the Pandemic and the surging numbers of mental health issues society faces. Neuroscience points to the role of branching neural pathways and telomeres (tiny protein chains that cap our DNA and prevent their unraveling) in health, healing and resiliency. Positive experiences in both adults and children lengthen telomeres; longer telomeres are strongly associated with healthier lives and longevity. Branching of neurons occurs when we have a variety of positive experiences--when our lives "branch out" beyond constricted repetition of thought, sensory input and relationship with others. This is particularly important in children whose brains are highly active in branching. Adults benefit from branching out as well!
Positive experiences are simply meaningful, rewarding and/or enjoyable moments of time. There is not one description that is defines "positive" for everyone, but rather follows your personal interests and then stretches into new paths of discovery. They include both private moments and shared experiences. They add a sense of gratitude for that time and they are indeed both protective and healing. No matter how far away you (or someone you know) may seem from enjoyment and gratitude, a positive moment begins the path of return. (Susan Nettleton)
Come, come whoever you are
Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving
Oh come, come whoever you are
This isn’t a caravan of despair
It doesn’t matter if you’ve broken your vows a thousand times before
Still yet again, come again come
Yet again, come----------Jalaluddin Rumi