Shodo Harada Roshi, a renowned Zen teacher, approaches the issue of suffering with a deep understanding of its role in spiritual growth. He believes that suffering is an integral part of the human experience and that it can serve as a catalyst for personal and spiritual transformation.

According to Roshi, suffering arises from our attachment to our desires and our resistance to change. He teaches that the root cause of suffering is our attachment to the ego and our constant pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. However, instead of trying to escape or suppress suffering, Roshi encourages his students to face it head on and use it as a tool for self-discovery and growth.

Roshi emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in dealing with suffering. He teaches his students to be fully present and aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, without judgment or resistance. By cultivating this state of mindfulness, one can observe the impermanent nature of suffering and realize that it is not a permanent state, but rather a passing experience.

Furthermore, Roshi teaches that suffering can be a powerful teacher if we are willing to learn from it. He encourages his students to reflect on their suffering and use it as an opportunity for self-inquiry and self-discovery. By delving deep into the root causes of our suffering, we can gain insight into our own patterns of thinking and behavior and begin to let go of our attachments and aversions.

Roshi also emphasizes the importance of compassion in dealing with suffering. He believes that by developing compassion towards ourselves and others, we can alleviate the suffering of others and find meaning and purpose in our own suffering. Through acts of selfless service and kindness, we can transform our suffering into a source of strength and growth.

In summary, Shodo Harada Roshi teaches that suffering is an inevitable part of life, but it can also be a powerful tool for spiritual growth. By cultivating mindfulness, self-inquiry, and compassion, we can learn to embrace our suffering and use it as a means to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As Roshi himself says, “Suffering is not a problem to be solved, but a doorway to awakening.”