General Discussion Suffering

[Treeroot]

The problem of suffering is something everyone must face. When G-d places suffering before a person, what is G-d's will? If a person accomplishes G-d's will after experiencing hardship, will that suffering be removed by G-d? Those who have experienced it naturally understand, as such experiences continually repeat in their lives. Those people may be ones we cannot recognize or understand; more accurately, we may despise and reject such thoughts and realms of experience.

However, the account in the Book of Job is something we cannot deny. After Job went through suffering, he said these words: "I had heard You with my ears, but now I see You with my eyes. Therefore, I recant and relent, being but dust and ashes."

[BlueBird2]

Are you talking about yourself, Treeroot?

[Treeroot]

In Jewish philosophy and Kabbalah, the theory of the "Four Worlds" (Arba Olamot) is an understanding of the levels of divine creation. These four worlds are:

• Atzilut: The world closest to G-d, representing "emanation" or "outflowing," close to the Infinite Light (Ein Sof).
  
• Beri'ah: The world of Creation, the manifestation of the divine will.
  
• Yetzirah: The world of Formation, representing the realm of angels and the realm of thought.
  
• Asiyah: The world of Action, the realm where matter and action reside.
  

In each world, a person's spiritual life is different, and the laws governing them are also different. Life is a process of gradually awakening from the material plane (Asiyah) and approaching divinity. I believe that each life transition or awakening involves suffering, so suffering is not necessarily entirely a punishment or curse, as people think; it may be a necessary blessing in life.
For example, the transition from Yetzirah to Beri'ah:

• Content of Awakening: From the awakening of emotions and thoughts to the awakening of spiritual creation.
  
• Conditions:
  • Purification of Thought: Controlling emotions, cultivating calmness, focus, and trust in G-d (referencing Isaiah 26:3).
    
  • Sublimation of Emotions: Through prayer and meditation, guiding personal emotions towards love and reverence for G-d (referencing Proverbs 9:10).
    
  • Self-Insight: Recognizing the potential for spiritual creation, that is, realizing that oneself is a manifestation of G-d's creative power.
    
  
  
• Comparison Before and After Awakening:
  • Before: Easily influenced by emotions and interpersonal relationships, lacking control over one's thoughts and feelings.
    
  • After: Having a deep insight into spirituality; emotions are no longer limited to the personal but expand to selfless love for G-d and others.
    
  
  

From the Hebrew Bible, every prophet and leader experienced awakening and advancement in their spiritual life. Each of them experienced much great suffering, such as Job, Moses, and David. It can be said that their history of growth is a history of hardship, ultimately becoming people pleasing to G-d and used by Him.

[BlueBird2]

That's interesting. Thanks for your explanation.

[Treeroot]

Nice to see your reply, BlueBird2.

[Treeroot]

What important for us is to understand G-d's blessings and purpose within every suffering. How are we to conduct ourselves, what are we to think, and how do we receive divine blessings in times of adversity?

In Job's deepest suffering, his wife urged him to end his life, but he declared suicide to be folly. Yet, he cursed the day of his birth, a seemingly paradoxical act. This reveals Job's profound understanding of G-d's transcendence amidst his affliction. He recognized that even in his insignificance, he remained within G-d's gaze and keeping, and he comprehended the suffering G-d shares with humanity. So as not to cause G-d further pain on his account, Job expressed a preference for never having been born, thus cursing his birthday day.

Hopefully, we can share our personal sufferings and struggles, lest we, through lack of wisdom, endure a life of hardship and yet gain nothing of eternal value.