Why Do We Suffer? | Eckhart Tolle on Awakening and the Purpose of Suffering

[@philippedefossez3421]

"Suffering is necessary until you realize it's unnecessary." - E. Tolle.

[@InfiniteTravelingSpirit2BE]

Clichés are cute but , Explain what you mean?

[@t-IKnowidontKnow]

Yes - However until realised/experiened in 'by passing' 'my'=ego/mind its just my constant unREALised tragic 'mind game' in NOT Truly Knowing........

[@mydogspyro]

⁠”Suffering” is created by the mind. It is needed to drive your being away from identifying itself AS the mind. Once you realize this you will see that “suffering” is no longer needed. Another way of phrasing it is “pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.

[@khalidh3091]

​@@mydogspyropain is necessary suffering is optional, I like this one very much. One can refer to the story of two arrows metaphor too.

[@liquid79]

​@@khalidh3091Tell that to my body as it continues to make me suffer in pain daily and in constant agony from my health ailments.

[@drm54321]

The love that comes from this man's heart overwhelms my emotions sometimes. This is one of those times. I wish all humans could listen and understand what he says. The world would be very different. Thank you Eckhart. So much love for you!

[@Grandmo2010]

He is a blessed soul...

[@pamchesler242]

I so agree ❤❤💯💯💯

[@goldylocks1775]

I couldn't agree more ❤

[@Beekind799]

@@pamchesler242 you are being conned

[@siktasikta6530]

you hv definitely articulated my thoughts too.❤

[@cjscap7315]

Suffering must have a purpose. It teaches us to preserve truth and love. It is the ultimate test of our will to be good.

[@rogerlin9602]

Suffering cracks open the false self, so light can get out. You suffer until you surrender, which is the acceptance of the present. When resistance ends, suffering ends. The cross is both a symbol of the divine and a torture instrument. The human transcends to God. Not my will, but thy will be done. Thanks Eckhart. 18 July 2023.🤡🔦💖⛩✈🐓🚈🦊🎅🐧🍇🤠

[@soorajks2774]

Thankyou. i greatly wish to surrender to the Present moment which is God . but i find it very hard to maintain steadily that surrender- state . May God and Eckhart Sir bless me to be always constantly surrendered...without the need for further sufferings and miseries . 🙏🙏

[@Beekind799]

@@soorajks2774 the surrendered state needs no assistance,acceptance of who you are is all that is needed,silence is needed,so i will teach you the way of a buddah,raise a gentle grin ,focus on that,the smile muscle activates , the amigdela relaxes this allows light into the pineal gland,the thoughts stop and the mind lays down,you need not listen to this fools self serving bull shit,he will not teach you how to switch off the mind because if he did you would quickly realize hes a quiet talking con man ,he isnot an enlightened being,a buddah has a permanent grin ,no thought system and no mind what so ever

[@jeffellis6037]

If you are asking for the cessation of suffering have you truly surrendered?

[@BraniG-psyc03]

❤

[@isabellabuckley7999]

Feel so safe EKHART just knowing you are here on earth among us..

[@fredphipps9452]

Great to know that suffering does serves a purpose and is not just an obstacle

[@nickxcore74]

I love listening to Eckhart, because he helps make sense of my thoughts, emotions and life in general.

[@patrykrak8905]

Feeling the same here, just love that guy.

[@BraniG-psyc03]

❤❤❤

[@chickkeys]

Eckhard, my daughter calls you :"Schildkrötenmann" (Tortoise - Man) ❤️ She is eight and my greatest teacher. Although I sometimes roll my eyes still... Lol. Finally my Spirit is able to receive your messages. Thank you for your Love. Thank you.

[@maryamfiras111]

Im from Iraq and right now Iam explaning to my friend the power of now book🧘🏻‍♀️

[@maxmnm2397]

Awesome book helped me a lot 💜💜💜

[@Sun.powder]

❤️🙏

[@jeaniel1004]

He was a student of a real master, Jiddu Krishnamurti. Many books of his talks. Also, KZbin videos.

[@a_glow6644]

When you look at it… God/Universe/Source… ultimately uses the ego to destroy the very thing the ego creates- suffering. Genius. Ultimate genius. Nothing is a waste, Source makes sure of it.

[@pamchesler242]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@MM-yi9zn]

We are so utterly fortunate to have Eckhart so regularly. Such a massive emotional support. Bless you Eckhart for the enormous assistance you provide for so many.

[@reikitruth]

Thank you Eckhart, you were with me 20 years ago when I almost lost my life in what would have been very brutal circumstances- when I was safe, my overwhelming thought was ‘I am not my body.’ Suffering for me, was a key component of my spiritual journey!❤️🌍❤️

[@stephenflood3463]

It's a fact of life that everyone suffers at some stage, wether it's physically or mentally. Even animals suffer at some level. I grew up with a sick mother all my life from an early age, and to see her suffering caused me and my family to suffer too. It's hard for everyone and is one of life's greatest test, yet it taught me how to be symphatetic and compassionate towards those who suffer. Thank you for this Eckhart.

[@Fuedez]

Thank ubl for sharing Ur experience , bless u kind soul Wish u all the love best in Life ❤️🙏

[@stephenflood3463]

@@Fuedez Thanks, you too🙏☘️✨

[@Buna5689]

Thank being sympathetic to your mother

[@stephenflood3463]

@@Buna5689 Thank you so much. Sending love and light to you too.🙏❤️✨

[@audreyheart2180]

❤❤❤the purpose of suffering in this world

[@phlontstu]

I am suffering a lot right now. My ego has been shattered. I am hoping something is growing out of this. Every day is torture.

[@markfuller]

Something to be wary of is how the ego will turn loss into an egoic "supply." I.e., we tend to think of ego as proud, perfect, accomplished. You don't see people walking around saying "I'm a loser" and think to yourself "wow, such ego!" We think of it being the opposite. But, when you grieve for yourself, what's going wrong, went wrong, may go wrong... ultimately that is just as egoic. It implies "I deserve better." It craves what it doesn't have (or is proud of what it does have, and clings to it). So, be aware of that possibility. It's not as intuitive. We can be crushed egoically, and everything we're feeling is egoic. It's like we're holding a gigantic, over-sized funeral for ourselves. We can think it's all genuine, and humbling to be crushed this way. But, it's as fulfilling to the ego to mourn for itself as it is to celebrate itself. It's like a hallway of mirrors where you never know. It can hide in the place you never see it. Nothing wrong with the process of ego death ("die before you die"). You can't just disassociate from that. But, it's easy for that to turn right into the very thing that needs to die. It can be too much (unrealistic) loss. There should a "good riddance" element to it. :)

[@martugharzia]

I hope you are better and you will feel better day by day. I send you lots of love and strength for this hard times. Something beautiful will grow out from this, i know. ❤❤

[@pamchesler242]

I am 60 years old and have a background of trauma and just very unusual lessons (shall we say) I learned from my parents, teachers and so on… I did not know until recently during lockdown I was forced through a lot of suffering to awaken, and I did not have what is available to me now, in reference to being able to access all this information and knowledge…. I am so grateful to Eckhart for his teachings have been invaluable to me to say the least, and now my daughter, who struggled as a result of my behavior towards her, is now at the age of 23, looking into meditation and mindfulness, but her therapist recommended a book to her and that book was, The Power of Now…❤❤❤💯💯💯

[@rogerwhittaker7073]

No words are wasted in your talks Mr Tolle. Not enough have your ability to ''cut to the chase". Good news.

[@nmark5336]

I always felt the death of Jesus on the cross symbolised the death of the ego or carnal self and the emergence 3 days later of the spirit self or higher self. We must die to be reborn. Jesus's act of surrendering to spirit/God, the I AM presence, while suffering makes so much sense. Thanks for this wisdom Ekhart.

[@vangestelwijnen]

Suffering is a chance to find the true self. Eckhart is a true spiritual guide for me.

[@whatthehell1012]

I would never have taken any of this seriously if it weren't for suffering, grateful for it

[@Paulswindellsdrummer]

I thank you universe for this beautiful soul ❤

[@jansniderman9353]

I was reminded of Viktor Frankl's story when I heard the lecture above. Suffering awakened Frankl, although in his case, his transcendance was in recognizing where his power was derived. Wow.

[@OptimusAwakening]

I think I've been getting cues regarding a spiritual awakening after recently moving to a different area. After moving i started driving lessons with a new instructor and after awhile he could tell I was suffering due to family problems, in which i opened up telling him everything. Since that day and thanks to my instructors help i have been recovering my inner self, especially with what i'd say was his guidance, educating me on that we are all energy and his references to Eckhart's work. I am extremely grateful for his help and to have crossed path's. Recently over the last week or so I have started meditating which has taken my recovery and self discovery to a whole new level, i feel much more at peace. Thank you and thank you to my driving instructor if you ever read this.

[@cherP435]

Thank you Eckhart….You are a gift from God to us all ❤ Not my will but thy will be done 🙏

[@LenaLena-bj3bg]

🙏❤️

[@Laila.F]

Thank you, lots of love for you.

[@young1939]

I was suffering with severe depression when I was younger. Without going into the cause, I knew suicide wasn't an option, and walking away wouldn't work because my problem was in n me and I would take it with me. Practicing meditation and an NDE helped me out of the problem and I practice meditation daily. I also read a book by Echart Tolle. Thanks for his wisdom and teaching.

[@Sam-nb8ev]

For me the light cracked a little bit of the egoic shell and got in during one session of meditation. I still suffer but the light that got in brought with it a background sense of peace that never leaves and this is what keeps me going. Best wishes to everyone from India.

[@justinpope9818]

My boy Eckhart out here once again slaying egos 💀🤺 Love you man always 🥹

[@ChildofGod98765]

I pray the rapture is soon. Jesus save me. I will never stop praying. Lord please change my life for the better. Thank you Jesus for never leaving my side, because everyone else has! Jesus! I PRAISE you! Even as I’m struggling providing for my children. I feel like a failure but I will keep faith because faith is all I have left! Since covid I can’t seem to get back on my feet. I lost my job for declining the vaccine. I declined due to my health conditions. I suffer from lupus, and heart disease. I’m now waitressing and so thankful to be working but I’m not making nearly enough to get by. I have two beautiful boys both are autistic. I’m overwhelmed because they require so much from me. Every month is a struggle to not end up on the streets with my boys. I’m struggling buying groceries I’m so discouraged. Jesus hear my cries I’m so tired. But I have faith! Jesus hear my prayers. ❤

[@benevolutionary]

i'm so sorry to hear you're hurting so badly. are you doing any better since posting this comment?

[@janetpark3020]

Good morning Eckhart and how are you? 20yrs ago, I wouldn’t understand what you mean at all but as I grow older, I can understand what you say. Sufferings and unexpected life turns have been my fuel to grow wiser and be awaken spiritually. I would choose a spiritually conscious life over a life without knowing the truth. Danke schön, Eckhart.

[@edwardtait4285]

The "crack" quote is from Groucho Marx.. Rock on Groucho and Eckhart!

[@lepleinsoleil]

so beautiful he quoted Leonard Cohen ❤

[@shraddashradda]

And LC quoted Rumi

[@air282]

Yes suffering is until we surrender truthfully…..no matter the depth of suffering we all suffer a certain level in our life. After we have suffered the ascension to a higher level proves we see everything from a different perspective. 🙌🏼✨ God bless

[@Beekind799]

oh what nonsense you are listening too

[@stephenflood3463]

I agree with you. When we ascend to a higher level we see and understand suffering in a new light.

[@Luketherapy]

I always come back to Eckhart’s channel as a metric for how many humans are awake. I imagine every awakened human finds Eckhart. His followers are increasing so rapidly! Amazing things are happening to our species 🤍🤍

[@rinkudas2723]

Suffering is to make OURSELVES more BETTER to make our path clear.being more bold and confident not over confident taking correct path and correct decision. AMEN

[@lynnmcquillan2338]

God Bless Eckhardt 🙏

[@user-yt4qi6in9o]

Suffering make us stronger and better

[@lidahassanvand1014]

Your are the best teacher thank you

[@h2_kumar]

Thank you so much for this timely teaching, Eckhart. Peace and love. 🙏

[@gojiberry7201]

I went through something recently and am now moving towards a path in healing generational trauma to help others, I hope

[@No-thing-ness]

Master I had extreme suffering; what this did is strip back my ego. Awareness came in stages via research and self development. But I believe the ego, which can be a strong human survival mechanism was like a block to anything other than self delusion.

[@markfuller]

The 2005 movie "Revolver" (Ray Liotta) might interest you. It's a strange movie. When the credits roll at the end, there is an inset of different experts talking about the ego. That's when you realize what the movie was about (although, you'll have an inkling before that.). To me, the elevator scene near the end was jarringly realistic. Except that realization/individuation occurred over years. It wasn't one experience like that. It was ongoing for 2-4 years. But, that scene is the closest I've seen to what I think the experience is like.

[@Shanti1777]

Always thought suffering is bad. It became too much. Now it makes sense what happened. Vielen Dank Eckhart.

[@CharonAstrologist]

Thank you, thank you and thank you. Your words always go deep into my body…

[@veraintuizione6497]

Holy words ✨ full of Grace that open and calm the heart.❤️ I have never heard such a profound and true letter of Christianity from any prelate and I affirm this as an Italian women born in a country of centuries-old Christian tradition. The TRUTH always knows how to reach you… So grateful...💓🙏

[@soorajks2774]

Thankyou Sir. May i be blessed with this art of surrendering. 🙏🙏🙏

[@AmbitiousNick]

Thank you master.

[@Jacobcoleyray]

We suffer because the Lord loves us and wants us to lean on him more often ✝️🛐🙏

[@lll1955]

Для меня ключевая фраза: «У страдания есть цель- разрушить Вас». Она очень зацепила, как это верно!

[@freespirit9806]

The cross is the ego. We have to experience the 3D form as person and we suffer until we let go of it all.

[@NathanShaw-sv9xe]

Suffering is a part of life its necessary for happiness. It teaches moderation.

[@StephanieJeanne]

Thank you, Eckhart! Good day, everyone! Love to all!😌💜

[@Adriana0Marcolini]

Jesus crucified always makes me sad and mad with human cruelty. I wish I could beg Jesus pardon for all of us, but I think the better way to do this is loving each other as He loves us . 🙏

[@ashleyl1617]

Amen

[@user-ck6ly4st3v]

I don't know if Eckhart Tolle addresses this in any of his videos, but I have been and continue to feel so much emotional pain and it's intensifying. Which I know is a good thing. Because the only way out is the way through. And I know that the more intense it feels, the closer it is to being blown wide open and released. It's so painful in my heart and solar plexus chakras. And I'm aware that it's my mental resistance, mental fear, that causes and perpetuates my pain. This is what consumes my meditation for weeks now, being with this pain and allowing it, letting it take me where it will, as much as I am able to let go, though my mind, and pain body, has a tight grip. When part of it releases, there is more. This pain and fear is like a demon 😈 that has had a hold on me all this lifetime at least. There is a truism that what we resist, persists. I know there is nothing to do. Through meditation, I will be free. I just have to continue to be more persistent in my meditation than the part of my mind that is generating the pain and fear. I guess for most people, meditation is just a nice peaceful thing, and it has been for me too and will be again. But right now it is a frigging powerful ally. I have been aware that the matrix driven distorted superego part of my mind has controlled me and is battling to keep me in total subservience and suffocating imprisonment under full control of the matrix authoritarianism. This is what's called neurosis in psychology. And it's locked in ever intensifying battle with the id part of my mind that is struggling to be free. This has defeated me thoroughly all my life and kept me from everything I ever wanted. And if I may be so bold as to say, this reminds me of when we hear about the war in heaven, in which the loyal angels battled the rogue angels who were cast down to rule the 3D, the source of the matrix? The universe is the mind of God? And this is part of the duality, the polarity, that God created for God's experience, and we are all part of God. I just realized, my inner mental battle is where my claustrophobia comes from. I feel intensely claustrophobic in small spaces, and even in my body. I just realized this mental battle with my mind's superego winning is the reason I've been emotionally so f'ed up all my life, and that it will not always be this way. I know that for certain. I just had deja vu again, which shows me my future, as do my visions and spiritual downloads, in different ways. It is literally seeing and knowing the future in the present though it feels like the past. Of course all time is the present. Through meditation I'll be free of this demon. It is part of my journey. I just Googled the definition of neurosis, now renamed neuroticism, and realized my OS (my twin flame) has the same thing but with different, some opposite, symptoms. Back to meditating. With gratitude.

[@vladimir1341]

All thoughts create suffering.

[@zantecarroll4448]

thank you wonderful eckhart ..we love you ❤

[@seewanbundhoo7796]

Suffering is unavoidable,so is joy Peace cuts across both So I decide to focus on practicing peace while accepting the other two

[@carlitos2012ace]

this is such a great comment , i remember in my early teenage years ( I shared this story with some friend who at the moment i have lost contact with, life at its best) i had that clear idea that would want to avoid suffering at all costs. So my friend asked me , and? what happened ? Well, ive had it (suffering) in all forms and shapes. I m sure that arrogance and deception is still there even now, but 30 years later , i now know for certain , i wouldnt have become the person i am without going through the crucible. Ive had unexpected joy too, thanks for your comments

[@fortissimoX]

Thank you Eckhart!

[@lindamutch191]

Love this message.

[@nieskepoortstra]

This message is so important and extremely helping for me! Wow this is what I needed to hear, here and in this moment.. So grateful now. Now I accept suffering and understand and feel strenghth to go through the suffering. 🙏💞🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Shelly_Renee825]

Good morning ❤

[@j.e.sprucefarmer5157]

Live, Love & Let die!

[@giselar.12]

🌼Danke 😊🙏schön🌼für das interessante lehrreiche Video 🌼Liebe Grüße 😉

[@dulanigunawardena3478]

Thankful to you, Sir.

[@beatlebarb64]

Thanks for sharing this wisdom; at the time we hate the suffering but hopefully we learn from it!

[@acgschouwenaars]

Beautiful said. Thank you!

[@Relayzy1]

Because I'm intelligent and have a big heart...

[@funnytv-1631]

Take a look at that one task which casts the tallest shadow on your to-do list. You know the one. That monster, that ghoul of a task that looms larger than life. Today is the day you turn the tables and shine a light on it. See that it was all just an optical illusion. Watch the shadow shrink. That one task is far less scary than fear would have you believe. It will be an ironic moment when you simply set your mind to accomplish it. And now... do it. Do that one thing today. Break the spell. Even if it’s just the first tiny steps - take them. You are more powerful than you know.

[@acgschouwenaars]

Beautiful said. Thank you! Greetings from Holland.

[@YOurOwnLighT]

Suffering is necessary in order to be able to be empathic .. feel empathy towards others.. Especially for those who live in their " ivory" tower.. Ferrari and Whatever.. Life has many flavors.. No one wants to taste suffering .. But when you smile when suffering .. It becomes a part of you .. just laugh at it with joy .. feel blessed ... and you will become Stronger If you choose to suffer instead of laughing .. you say yes to suffering and it continues.. Be Brave and just laugh out as loudly and heartfully as you can 😂😊❤ Love & Peace to All

[@DamianSeverin]

Best ever! Thank you!

[@kimberlysmith7311]

Thanks Eckhart ❤

[@user-ce8pp3xw1j]

Thankes.alot❤❤

[@midnightblue2893]

Thanks for sharing Eckhart! 💜

[@stephenflood3463]

Hi midnight 💜✨🇺🇲

[@midnightblue2893]

@@stephenflood3463 hey Stephen! 💜

[@golderjames]

Love this. Especially at 9:00

[@vincechopard6481]

Thank you very much for this talk 🙏🙏

[@chanellenaughton8306]

Thank you! ❤

[@willieluncheonette5843]

" If you don´t escape, if you allow the suffering to be there, if you are ready to face it, if you are not trying somehow to forget it, then you are different. Suffering is there but just around you; it is not in the center, it is on the periphery. It is impossible for suffering to be in the center; it is not in the nature of things. It is always on the periphery and you are the center. So when you allow it to happen, you don´t escape, you don´t run, you are not in a panic, suddenly you become aware that suffering is there on the periphery as if happening to someone else, not to you, and you are looking at it. A subtle joy spreads all over your being because you have realized one of the basic truths of life, that you are bliss and not suffering."

[@ManjunathaNDoddamanii]

Thanks MASTER😊

[@pilargarcia6724]

Muchísimas gracias!!!❤🙏😊

[@jimnicosia5934]

Because it is fun.

[@MitzyB1]

Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@Zenkiuh]

Gracias Ek!

[@user-yt4qi6in9o]

Great talk

[@texasholdem6010]

7:05 Will never look at the cross the same way again. I likr his additional interpretation of the cross.

[@gabriellarujsz5741]

Thank you 🙏 big thanks for this ❤ Yesyes, suffering can open the eyes 🙏❤️🙏 and I am so grateful for that, for the experiences now 🙏🕊️☀️

[@reginaargentin2864]

thank you

[@user-yt4qi6in9o]

Amazing channel

[@terri3696]

Something got thru to me here.

[@jlpsinde]

So so good

[@jabba0975]

"The cross is a sacred symbol, but it's also a torture instrument." Makes you wonder how benevolent God really is, doesn't it?

[@Rogel957]

But the cross is a human-egoic invention.

[@maschatolstoi6401]

Er ist wirklich gut

[@dineshchawla4999]

I am suffering from depression from past 20 years, the mind is a ghost, it tortures a lot.

[@AdemUstadem]

“The result of my life is no more than three words: I was raw, I became cooked, I was burnt.” Rumi

[@cjang1]

Saw an animal being abused today and it was akin to my worst nightmare bejng realised. I did respond, but it was very confronting. I did lose the balance of my mind - I was able to regain it within some hours, which was a new experience.

[@melissahall7009]

I wish you could open spiritual centers across the country. I feel like so many are suffering because of isolation & loneliness but if they are like me and believe in a higher power but not in only one specific religion we lose the ability to find community through church. If people don’t go to bars or churches it makes it difficult to meet people. Please consider this idea!! A place for community to gather to talk about your & other spiritual teachings. 🤍🤍🤍I’ve been so isolated the past year, but atleast I have my husband & boys. I feel awful for those who have no one.

[@InfiniteTravelingSpirit2BE]

Using psychedelic therapies helped me see through my illusions. Best think I've done for myself.

[@LauraFran55]

great video

[@dulanigunawardena3478]

🙏🏼💗🙏🏼

[@DJSTOEK]

❤

[@LAFLAREable]

Why is meditation so powerful?

[@PatriseHenkel]

Struggling with this. When I’m in physical pai.n I tend to dissociate, which I don’t think is transcendence.

[@markfuller]

Disassociation from physical pain could be transcendence. What would be the alternative? Psychological disassociation is "bad" in the sense that it's _necessary_ for the mind to cope with anger, shame, traumatic experience. But, becomes a repression which leaks out over time, affecting the individual in ways they can't see. "Baggage." Our conscious experience emerges from the subconscious. Disassociated experiences/feelings (unreconciled, dis-integrated) can negatively affect that emergent conscious experience going forward. But, disassociating from physical pain? That could be legitimate transcendence. Buddhist monks sometimes immolate themselves to make a point. They don't feel the pain. In what way would their state be different than yours? (Doubting yours could be a way of not letting go and following transcendence. Not trusting your experience.). IMO, Eckhart's teachings are more in line with vipassana, mindfulness, "insight" meditation. In Buddhism, there is also (equally important) samadhi (concentration) meditation. One-pointedness of focus (not observation, like vipassana). Mantras, or focusing on the breath (which vipassana can do too, but involves observing thought. Samadhi is a deep concentration that escapes thought.). Samadhi leads to the 4 Jhanas. Each has "factors." These all involve transcendence. I think it's _this_ meditation that leads monks to a state that they can't feel fire. You might search for more info about samadhi (serenity, concentration) meditation. (I don't think it's either/or. The two forms of meditation enlighten the person in different ways.).

[@InfiniteTravelingSpirit2BE]

@7:00 and some people suffering drives them to the state of suicide! 😢

[@Gaurav.P0]

Amazing ❤

[@denin135]

Wisdom