How can we reduce suffering in our lives?

We often make the mistake of trying to eradicate all sufferings from our lives. However, do you know that the universe and its elements operate on a principle we call ‘balance’? This means that if there is day, there must be night; if there is life, there will also be death. Life does not consist of only heads or only tails. If you want the head of a coin, you must also accept the tail. This is called the ‘rule of balancing’.

This rule can also be applied to reduce the suffering in our lives. First, we need to understand that suffering originates in the mind. The primary reason for the mind experiencing suffering is that it allows external events to influence it. For example, if India wins a cricket match and we feel immense joy, we celebrate for hours by calling our friends and going out to party! But, these extreme celebrations also prepare us for future suffering because they make our minds ready to be influenced!

It is just that our mind was positively influenced by the victory. But because of that, the mind is now in a state where it is ready to be affected by any external event. This means, if India loses another day, then we feel terrible for two days! So, what I want to share with you is this: if we want to reduce the intensity of suffering in our life, working directly on the suffering itself won’t help. Instead, we need to prepare our minds so that we do not be influenced.

For example, if India wins a match, tell yourself that you will celebrate for only 30 minutes. This way, you are preparing your mind not to be influenced excessively. If you try to train the mind when you are sad, it is more likely to rebel. However, if you train it when you are happy, it can come under your control. Now, with this technique in use, if India loses a match, you can tell your mind to only be sad for 30 minutes.

This rule of balancing can be applied to all aspects of life. Control your happiness first and control over suffering will follow automatically because both happiness and pain originate in the mind.

This technique has proven to be extremely effective in life and I believe it will be just as beneficial for you.