The causes of suffering are evident in all aspects of our modern lives. We live in sprawling towns and cities in boxy buildings and daily life has a crushing monotony that we try to escape through the distraction and endless scrolling on our phones. Harmony and beauty are difficult to find.
We try to feel better by wearing expensive clothes and shoes, but at the same time we lose sleep over money worries, as debts mount up. Surrounded by people, inside we feel lonely and sad. Neighbours have become indifferent and don’t help one another. Many go hungry, while others fill their homes with luxury goods they don’t need. Sincere friendship is increasingly rare.
There is no peace to be found in theories: they only create more doubts that embitter our lives. What truly lies behind our daily problems? Let us analyse the causes of suffering.
Modern Emptiness and the Causes of Suffering
The world today appears to shine, yet it is full of shadows. We have been taught to look for happiness outside; we buy new things hoping they will fill our inner emptiness but the relief this brings is fleeting.
This endless pursuit of material things is one of the causes of suffering. The ego pushes us to want more and more. We desire what others have and feel unhappy because we don’t have it. In this way, envy and competitiveness erode our mental peace.
Technology has robbed us of tranquillity. We appear to be more connected than ever, yet we feel very alone. A lack of sincerity turns our conversations into something hollow. Rather than listening to others from our heart we just hear them out because we feel obliged to do so, while in our minds we rehearse the impressive answer we will give.
Neglecting our inner life generates great bitterness. We do not know who we truly are because we are constantly trying to be someone we are not. This lack of self-knowledge increases the causes of suffering. We live like strangers in our mental home.
Consequences of the Ego and the Causes of Suffering
The ego is like an invisible master directing our actions. This inner force compels us to react with fear, anger or some other egoic expression. When we are slaves to these impulses, we harm those we love most. No one can be happy when pride dominates their mind.
As a result, cruelty becomes normal. We no longer feel genuine compassion for the pain of others. Humans have become distrustful and malicious towards one another. This lack of charity is one of the causes of suffering.
Likewise, constant stress makes us ill. Many people live trapped in a cycle of debt that they can never get clear of. We suffer insomnia due to worries about the future. Our energy becomes exhausted trying to meet the demands of the world.
The inner emptiness we feel leads us to seek escape through alcohol, drugs, or spending hours watching videos on social media. However, running away from oneself only worsens the problem. Facing the causes of suffering requires courage and great attention.
The Causes of Suffering and Relationship Crises
The ego often disguises attachment as love, but in reality these are completely opposite. Love is comprehension of the other person, yet when our partner does not do what we want, we feel intense anger towards them. Instead of trying to comprehend, we blame them for our sadness. In time, this behaviour destroys peace in the home.
At the same time, fear of loneliness makes us jealously cling to our partner. We want to possess them like a valuable object. This lack of inner freedom is one of the causes of suffering, as we inflict pain on ourselves and those closest to us.True love cannot flourish where control exists.
Money Management and the Causes of Suffering
It is easy to believe that having more money will solve all our problems. However, the ambition of the ego is never satisfied. We feel miserable when we cannot buy the luxury goods we desire and believe will make us happy. Envying what belongs to others robs us of our peace of mind every day.
Sometimes this envy leads us to living beyond our means and falling into debt. In turn these debts generate a lot of stress and we feel desperation that we can’t have the lifestyle we dream of. Identifying ourselves with material possessions is one of the causes of suffering. We suffer because our happiness depends solely on what we own.
Social Loneliness and the Causes of Suffering
We feel lonely because we have lost the ability to be sincere. The ego always wants to project an image of success and perfection and for others to envy us. For this reason, we are afraid to show our weaknesses to those we call our friends. We live surrounded by people, yet with a wall around our hearts.
Pride prevents us from asking for help when we need it. We prefer to suffer rather than appear weak. This lack of trust and sincerity increases the causes of suffering. True friendship requires us to set aside such vanity.
The Real Solution is the Awakening of Consciousness
We need to understand that theories do not eliminate pain. The true solution comes from the awakening of consciousness. We need to stop reacting mechanically according to every emotion we experience. Peace comes when we stop blaming others for our suffering.
Awakening consciousness requires voluntary effort. It is not enough to read books or repeat lovely phrases. You need to observe how the ego manifests itself in you at every moment. Only then can you free yourself from the chains that you have created.
Self-Knowledge and Practical Life
Self-knowledge is the most powerful tool you have today. Use it to observe your reactions when you are arguing with someone. Notice your frustration and fear when money is short. This, practical life, is the best gym for your spirit.
Likewise, be alert to any negative thoughts. Do not allow sadness or hatred to rule your day. Apply self-knowledge to uncover the causes of suffering. If you change your inner world, your outer world will change by itself.
Direct Observation
Look honestly at what is happening inside your mind right now. Do not make excuses to justify your bad mood or fears. Direct observation will allow you to see the root of your pain. This is the only way to know the causes of suffering.
In conclusion, the path of practical work requires great daily discipline, but by deciding to do it you can stop being a victim and take control of your life. Your happiness depends on your ability to live with awakened consciousness. Begin today and investigate the causes of suffering within yourself.
Take Action Against the Causes of Suffering
Your inner change can begin today if you decide to act. If this article has helped you, share it with others. Subscribe to our blog to receive more practical life tools. Additionally, we invite you to go deeper into this topic through further study.
Download the book The Great Rebellion by Master Samael Aun Weor. In it you will find the definitive guide to overcoming the causes of suffering. Do not allow the ego to stop you on your path to true freedom.
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