Suffering is a blessing

Without experiencing the anguish inherent in the mechanism of life in the world, the desire to become acquainted with the Great Mechanic (‘yantri”)* Who causes the cosmic machine to revolve does not arise in the human heart. 

Disease, grief, privations, remorse and the like are very necessary for man.  Just as fire burns away all dross and rubbish, so the threefold suffering (‘tritapa’) purges man’s heart from all impurity, and results in a growing single-mindedness in his search after Truth.  

When he becomes deeply conscious of his weakness and tormented by the thought of his undesirable impulses and distressing characteristics, when afflictions, like poverty, bereavement or humiliation make him feel his life as futile, then and then only does he develop real faith and religious fervour, and become anxious to surrender himself at the feet of the Supreme Being. 

Suffering should therefore be welcomed. Never does the soft moonlight appear more soothing than after the scorching heat of a summer day.
       
~ Sri Anandamayi Ma