Why So Much Suffering in the World? | Sadhguru

Summary

Sadhguru addresses the question of suffering in a perfect creation by explaining that the perfection lies in the freedom given to humans to shape their own existence. Unlike animals, humans have the capacity for both joy and suffering, which arises from their choices, not from creation itself. He emphasizes that while physical comfort is achievable with human intelligence, inner problems stem from the misuse of this freedom. Sadhguru encourages transcending beyond suffering and using one's intelligence and compassion to elevate oneself and potentially influence the world positively.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The existence of suffering doesn't negate the perfection of Creation; it provides the opportunity for a wide range of experiences and choices.
• 🧒 The story of Luke and the ten-dollar bill illustrates the human tendency to find and claim opportunities, which is a reflection of the freedom given by Creation.
• 🌏 The freedom inherent in human nature allows for both joy and suffering, and it's the choices we make that determine our experience.
• 🐘 Unlike humans, other creatures on the planet have limited possibilities and thus experience less complex forms of suffering.
• 🧠 Humans possess the intelligence to create comfort for themselves, but often fail to do so due to inner problems and conflicts.
• 🕊 The freedom given to humans by Creation can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how it's utilized.
• 🌱 The potential to transcend one's current state of being is a unique human capability, but it often requires significant suffering to motivate such a change.
• 🌟 Most people only seek change when their lives hit a crisis, indicating a lack of proactive use of their intelligence.
• 🙏 The script suggests that instead of relying on others' compassion, one should strive to be a source of compassion and understanding for the world.
• 💪 Living with dignity means taking responsibility for one's own life and not depending on the compassion or understanding of others.

Q & A

Why does Sadhguru suggest that creation is perfect despite the presence of suffering?

Sadhguru implies that creation is perfect because it provides the opportunity for individuals to be whatever they wish to be, which includes the possibility of experiencing suffering or joy.

What is the significance of the story about the little boy named Luke and the ten-dollar bill?

The story illustrates the potential for misunderstanding or misinterpretation of what is 'perfect'. It serves as an analogy to question the assumption that creation should be without suffering.

Why does Sadhguru argue that the possibility of liberation is tied to the existence of bondage?

Sadhguru suggests that without the existence of bondage, there would be no need or possibility for liberation, which implies that creation provides both the state of bondage and the potential to transcend it.

How does Sadhguru differentiate the type of suffering experienced by humans compared to other creatures?

Sadhguru points out that while other creatures experience physical suffering, humans uniquely experience a deeper level of suffering due to their capacity for complex emotions and thoughts.

What role does freedom play in the suffering of human beings according to Sadhguru?

Sadhguru suggests that humans suffer not because of their bondage, but because of their freedom. They have the ability to create their own suffering or joy, which is a result of the freedom they possess.

Why does Sadhguru say that physical realities are sometimes comfortable and sometimes not?

Sadhguru acknowledges that physical conditions can vary, but emphasizes that the ability to create comfort is within human intelligence, suggesting that external conditions are not the primary cause of suffering.

What does Sadhguru mean when he says that humanity's suffering is a 'tragedy'?

He refers to the irony that while freedom should be a blessing, it has become a source of suffering for many because it is not being used wisely to create joy and well-being.

How does Sadhguru view the potential for humans to go beyond their instincts?

Sadhguru believes that humans have the unique possibility to transcend their instincts, unlike other creatures, which are trapped by theirs, highlighting the capacity for self-improvement and spiritual growth.

What does Sadhguru suggest about the typical human response to life's difficulties?

He suggests that most people only seek change or spiritual growth after facing significant hardship, indicating a general reluctance to proactively pursue self-improvement or spiritual development.

Why does Sadhguru encourage individuals to live under their own compassion and understanding rather than depending on others'?

Sadhguru aims to inspire personal empowerment and self-reliance, suggesting that one should aspire to be a source of compassion and understanding for others, rather than seeking it from them.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 The Paradox of Creation and Human Suffering

Sadhguru addresses the question of why there is suffering in a world that is considered perfect. He uses the analogy of a boy named Luke who finds a ten-dollar bill to illustrate the concept that creation has given humans the freedom to shape their own experiences, which includes the potential for both joy and suffering. Sadhguru argues that unlike other creatures, humans have the unique ability to transcend their physical existence and instincts, and it is this freedom that allows for the possibility of both misery and liberation. He emphasizes that the suffering experienced by humans is not a result of creation but a consequence of the choices humans make with their freedom. Sadhguru points out that while physical realities can be uncomfortable, the real suffering comes from the misuse of human freedom and the inner problems it creates.

05:07

🕊️ Freedom as a Source of Suffering and Potential for Compassion

In this paragraph, Sadhguru continues the discussion on human freedom, suggesting that it is the very freedom that humans possess that can lead to both joy and suffering. He notes that humans have the capacity to create their own reality, and if a majority choose to create suffering, it is not a fault of creation. Sadhguru emphasizes that humans are not trapped by their instincts as other creatures are, and they have the opportunity to rise above them. He suggests that many people only seek transcendence when faced with significant suffering, which is unfortunate because intelligence should be used proactively, not just in response to hardship. He also touches on societal misconceptions about those who choose spiritual paths, implying that it is a choice for growth rather than a reaction to failure. Sadhguru concludes by encouraging individuals to be a source of compassion and understanding for the world, rather than relying on others for the same.

Keywords

💡Creation

Creation in the context of the video refers to the act of bringing into existence the universe and all life within it. It is seen as a perfect job by the Creator, as it provides the foundation for all that exists. The video discusses the perfection of Creation by highlighting the freedom it offers to beings, particularly humans, to shape their own existence. The concept is central to the discussion on why there is suffering in the world despite the perfection of Creation.

💡Suffering

Suffering is a key theme in the video, where it is explored as a human experience that arises not from Creation itself, but from the choices and actions of individuals. The video contrasts physical suffering, which is common to all creatures, with the deeper, psychological suffering that is unique to humans. It is suggested that suffering is a result of how humans utilize their freedom, often choosing to create their own misery.

💡Freedom

Freedom is discussed as a gift of Creation, allowing humans to have the possibility to be whatever they wish to be. It is a double-edged sword, as it can lead to joy or suffering depending on how individuals choose to use it. The video emphasizes that suffering is often a result of humans suffering their freedom, rather than their bondage, which is a tragedy.

💡Compassion

Compassion is mentioned as a quality that should be extended by humans to others, rather than something they depend on from others. It is presented as a sign of dignity and strength, where one should aim to be a source of compassion and understanding for the world, rather than living under the compassion of others.

💡Liberation

Liberation in the video is the state of being free from limitations or constraints, particularly those that are self-imposed. It is suggested that the very act of Creation provides the possibility for liberation, as it allows for the transcendence of basic instincts and the exploration of higher states of being.

💡Bondage

Bondage refers to a state of being trapped or confined, often used in the video to contrast with the freedom that humans possess. It is mentioned that other creatures are trapped in their instincts, while humans have the possibility to go beyond these limitations.

💡Intelligence

Intelligence is highlighted as a tool given to humans by Creation, which allows them to create comfort and solve problems. The video suggests that the suffering humans experience is not due to a lack of intelligence, but rather a misuse of it, often storing it away for future use instead of applying it to transcend suffering.

💡Transcendence

Transcendence is the act of surpassing or going beyond ordinary limits, particularly in terms of thought and experience. The video implies that very few people achieve transcendence, often only when life's hardships push them to seek beyond their current state of being.

💡Instincts

Instincts are the natural, inherent tendencies that drive the behavior of animals and humans for survival. The video contrasts human instincts with the higher cognitive abilities that allow for the possibility of transcending these basic drives.

💡Dignity

Dignity in the video is associated with self-respect and the quality of being worthy of honor or respect. It is suggested that humans should live with dignity, providing compassion and understanding to others, rather than seeking it from them.

Highlights

Sadhguru addresses the question of why there is suffering if creation is perfect.

Sadhguru uses the story of a boy named Luke and a ten-dollar bill to illustrate a point.

The concept that creation is perfect because it allows for the freedom to be whatever one wishes to be.

The idea that without the possibility of bondage, there would be no liberation.

Animals have limited possibilities and thus less misery compared to humans.

Human suffering is not due to creation but rather the choices humans make with their freedom.

Physical realities can be comfortable or uncomfortable, but intelligence can create comfort.

The suggestion that humanity's suffering stems from the misuse of freedom rather than bondage.

The opportunity for humans to transcend their instincts and suffering.

Sadhguru's observation that most people only seek change when life becomes difficult.

The importance of not relying on others' compassion but offering one's own.

Sadhguru's challenge to live with dignity and let the world live under one's compassion.

The notion that intelligence should not be kept in 'cold storage' for future use.

The idea that suffering one's freedom is a tragedy, not suffering one's bondage.

The potential for humans to create joy or suffering for themselves.

Sadhguru's critique of the common belief that one goes to an ashram only after life goes wrong.

Transcripts

[Questioner] Sadhguru, if the Creation is perfect, and the Creator has done

such a good job on us, as you say why is there so much suffering in the world?

Why do we need to depend on somebody's compassion to exist here?

[Sadhguru] So if creator had done a good job on us,

why, why there is so much suffering in the world?

Why we need to depend on other people's compassion

and understanding to exist here?

This is like... it happened once: A little boy came home with a ten-dollar bill... - what Luke? - ...in Ohio.

A little boy came home with a ten-dollar bill.

His mother asked, he said, 'I found it.' His mother asked, 'Luke, did you really find it?

Are you sure?' He said, 'Sure maam, I even saw the man looking for it.'

Why there is so much misery if this is a perfect job?

It is such a perfect job, that it gives you the opportunity to be whichever way you wish to be.

If Creation had not given you the necessary opportunity to be what you wish to be,

then there would be no possibilities, isn't it?

Then there would be no such thing as liberation.

So why create a bondage and then liberation?

Why couldn't we be liberated? Then there would be no Creation.

Only because there is Creation, now the possibility of going beyond that.

Now in animal nature and in other forms of life

that you see around you, every kind, there is not much possibility.

The possibility is just to survive, procreate, carry on with life and die one day.

Because there is not much possibility, there is not much misery either.

You don't see other creatures of the planet suffering like human beings.

Their suffering is purely physical. If they are physically harmed, they're in pain.

Even in pain, they do not know the kind of suffering that a human being knows.

Human being knows this suffering not because Creation gave

this suffering to you. Creation just gave you the freedom

to make whatever you wish to out of yourself.

You're making suffering out of yourself, or a large population

of the world has decided to make suffering out of themselves; that is their choice.

Physical realities sometimes are comfortable; sometimes are not comfortable. That is so.

We have been given the necessary intelligence to create the necessary comfort for ourselves.

That's not an issue really.

If we have no problems with each other, creating comfort

for all the population in the world is not a problem.

It's not at all a big problem really. Simply because

we have inner problems, simply because this freedom

which should have been a benediction, has become a curse upon humanity.

Right now, what human beings are suffering is not their bondage; they are suffering their freedom.

If you suffer your bondage, it's all right, but if you suffer your freedom, that's tragedy.

Right now human beings are unfortunately suffering their freedom.

This moment you can make anything out of yourself.

You can make joy out of yourself; you can make suffering out of yourself. What to do?

if 50 percent of people or 90 percent of the people are choosing to make misery out of themselves.

That's not Creation's fault. Just gave you the freedom so that you could go beyond.

Once you have come as a human, you're not trapped anymore.

Other creatures are trapped in their own instincts, beyond that they cannot think.

You have instincts for survival, but still you have the possibility of going beyond these instincts.

If you don't choose to go beyond, that means still enough suffering

has not touched you, because it's unfortunate in the world that

very few people transcend out of their intelligence.

Most people have to be thrashed by life; only then they will transcend.

Only then they will think of going beyond, otherwise no.

I don't know you are aware of this Luke, you came early, but in India if you tell

somebody that 'I'm living in an ashram', they will ask you,

'Why, what went wrong? What happened to your life?'

So they believe that only after something really goes wrong you will go to the ashram, okay.

Because most people's intelligence is such, because they kept their brains in cold storage,

They think they are going to use it in the future.

So they can only seek anything beyond when something really goes wrong with their life.

Till then, even if something really goes wrong, they will only pray for a better life next time.

Now, you don't have to depend on anybody's compassion or understanding.

The whole world can live under the umbrella of your compassion and your understanding.

I would like to see that you stand up that way:

That the world lives under your compassion and understanding.

You don't live in other people's compassion and understanding.

If you have any dignity, that's how you should live. Isn't it?

Isn't it so?