WHY SUFFERING? – PHILOSOPHICAL & CHRISTIAN REFLECTIONS Since: 1^st May 2003 Last Update on 30.5.2003

“Seeing much, suffering much, and studying much are the three pillars of learning” Benjamin Disraeli

THE HINDU PERSPECTIVE ON DEATH AND SUFFERING Karma Karma is what the soul undergoes in one of two ways, according to whether its actions are virtuous or not; but both kinds subsist until the end of enjoyment in this world. -Svayambu Agama God's cosmic law of karma governs our life experiences through cause and effect. As God's force of gravity shapes cosmic order, karma shapes experiential order. Through karma, your thoughts, emotions and deeds-whether good, bad or mixed-return to you. Thus, karma is your teacher. It imparts the lesons you need and are able to meed. FOr it is a divine law that no karmic situation will arise that exceeds your ability to resolve it. Karma is not fate. You have free will. No God or external force is controlling your life. It is your own karmic creation. To be responsible for your karma is strength. To blame another is weakness. Therefore, remember God's great law of karma and act wisely. “Come with me and let us reason together.” (Isaiah 1:18) [Isaiah is the 23^rd Book of the Old Testament of the Bible]