B"H

Types of Suffering and Moral/Spiritual Advancement

Rabbi Moshe Cordevero, called HaRama"k, was one of the teachers of
HaAr"i.

"The Palm Tree of Devorah" is probably his most famous book. In
Chapter 2 he writes: "...a person whould constantly recall his sins
and desire purification, rebuke and suffering, asking himself: "Which
type of suffering is the best in the world and will not distract me
from Divine service?" Surely, there is none better than these - to be
scorned and despised and insulted, for these will not weaken his
strength and vitality with illness, nor will they rob him of his food
and clothing, his life, or his children's lives. Hence a person
should actually desire this form of suffering, saying to
himself: "Why should I fast and torment myself with sackcloth and
self-affliction, which weaken my strength to G-d's service? Why
should I desire these for myself? It is far better for me to be
afflicted with contempt and shame while my strength does not depart
or weaken."
Thus, when insults are meted out to him, he should rejoice in them.
Contrary to the typical reaction to them, he should desire them.

I offer Jewish sources because those are the ones that I am most
familiar with. From what I've read the mystic traditions of many
cultures say the same thing: it is not by way of illness and
mortification of the body that we nullify the ego and come to G-d,
this being taught by those who attempted the way of mortifications,
including myself. Although we show God our "seriousness" about
approaching holiness by being willing to endure pain, God in It's
mercy soon shows us that this is not the way. God does not "suffer",
God does not have nerve endings. We do not emulate God by suffering.
It is in the equanimitous acceptance of insults and contempt that we
nullify our ego. While we are not to make ourselves contemptible, we
are to accept the insults which come to us as opportunities to put
our pride in place.

Physical pain is the wrecking ball which fells the wall. Then comes
the bulldozing of the stones to clear them away. But after the
initial very gross stages in the process of taking down our barriers,
there is no longer any need for the "heavy artillery".

Ask yourselves honestly: Has pain led you to equanimity? Even after
protracted physical pain, can you honestly say that you react to
insult and praise in exactly the same manner - with utter
indifference?

Doreen