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Master Sheng Yen on Suffering

The difference between pain and suffering

Pain is a physical phenomenon experienced with our nerves. Suffering is a mental phenomenon, a psychological thing. Pain is not tantamount to suffering, yet suffering can often cause pain. Our suffering comes from our craving and attachment, and from our unwilling or reluctant to give up or let go. If we are able to readily take up responsibilities, let go of any attachment, and face reality and deal with the situation at hand without running away from it, then we won't feel suffering in our minds.

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