Without Pain, No Enlightenment

When we suffer in body or mind, we are called to investigate pain and its causes – are we ill, threatened, injured, broken in spirit, or have we hurt someone else? Awareness of the causes enables us to respond well. But reflecting on and understanding the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths of suffering is core to complete freedom from it. When we let go our ideas about suffering, we directly experience its qualities. Our mental faculties sharpen and purify the mind for the arising of wise insight and ultimately – awakening.  Ottawa Buddhist Society retreat, Nov 20, 2025