“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” – Haruki Murakami

This insightful quote resonates with ancient Buddhist wisdom and holds a profound truth. I’ve encountered its wisdom in my personal journey, and today, I witness its relevance when working with young leaders and individuals within the companies I consult for.

There is a relationship between pain and happiness. Be it in personal life or professional life.

My aspiration to become an engineer after graduating from school was fraught with challenges. Securing admission to my preferred college was an arduous endeavour, and even after achieving that milestone, I had to exert immense effort to enrol in the engineering branch of my choice.

My father, a source of enduring wisdom, instilled in me the belief that success doesn’t come easily. He often cited Winston Churchill’s words, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” This lesson has remained my guiding light throughout my life.

Many young people today dream of a thriving corporate career, a prestigious corner office, financial prosperity, and a harmonious work-life balance. However, they often underestimate the demanding journey that leads to such achievements. Failure to anticipate and address the challenges on this path can result in disappointment and depression.

Success and happiness in the professional realm necessitate a willingness to grapple with adversity, job uncertainties, setbacks, rejections, and, at times, toxic work environments or lengthy commutes. The rewards and contentment we seek are intrinsically connected to the difficulties we endure—a truth that cannot be ignored.

It’s akin to taking bitter medicine; only by doing so can we alleviate suffering and find the rewards we seek.

The Oak Tree In The Garden- Embracing Pain

Allow me to share a Zen story that underscores the importance of embracing suffering as an integral facet of life:

In a lush garden filled with an array of trees, flowers, and plants, a towering oak tree stood at the centre, exuding strength and grandeur. Many admired this oak tree for its imposing presence.

One day, a traveller passing through the garden took notice of the oak tree and approached it. He exclaimed, “You are undeniably a magnificent tree, standing tall and proud. You must be the happiest tree in this entire garden.”

The oak tree humbly responded, “I appreciate your kind words, but my happiness isn’t solely derived from my stature and strength. Over the course of my long existence, I’ve weathered countless storms, fierce winds, and harsh winters. I’ve endured the pain of broken branches, falling leaves, and the weight of snow and ice on my limbs. These very experiences have molded me into the tree you see before you.”

Perplexed, the traveller inquired, “But how can you claim to be happy after enduring so much suffering?”

The oak tree replied, “It is through these storms and struggles that I have grown stronger, developing deeper roots. It is through pain that I’ve acquired resilience. It is amidst the changing seasons that I’ve found peace and acceptance. Happiness, to me, is not the absence of suffering but the wisdom to discover joy and contentment amid life’s challenges.”

This Zen story poignantly illustrates that happiness is not the mere absence of pain and suffering but, instead, the capacity to unearth meaning, growth, and serenity amidst life’s tribulations.

The Energy Of Mindfulness for Embracing Pain

Practising mindfulness breathing can give us the inner strength to embrace pain and suffering. Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Zen Buddhist master, elucidates the art of finding happiness amid suffering in his book, “No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Success.” This practical guide empowers us to tackle life’s problems, both minor and monumental, with equanimity.

Wrapping Up

In life, there are no rewards without risks, just as there is no destination without a journey. Isabel Allende aptly captures this sentiment: “There is no light without shadow, just as there is no happiness without pain.” Embracing pain and suffering as part of our journey is the path to true happiness and fulfilment.