Skip to content

If you want to understand suffering you must look into the…

“If you want to understand suffering you must look into the situation at hand. The teachings say that wherever a problem arises it must be settled right there. Where suffering lies is right where non-suffering will arise, it ceases at the place where it arises. If suffering arises you must…” quote by Ajahn Chah
Download Open image
“If you want to understand suffering you must look into the situation at hand. The teachings say that wherever a problem arises it must be settled right there. Where suffering lies is right where non-suffering will arise, it ceases at the place where it arises. If suffering arises you must contemplate right there, you don't have to run away. You should settle the issue right there. One who runs away from suffering out of fear is the most foolish person of all. He will simply increases his stupidity endlessly.”

Ajahn Chah

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suffering must be faced directly where it appears; avoiding it only deepens ignorance and folly.

In simple terms: Face pain where it is.

Key Takeaway

Confront issues immediately.

Themes

mindfulness wisdom compassion

Mood

calm reflective

Type

spiritual philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • conflict resolution
  • mental health
  • relationship disputes

Key Concepts

Buddhist teachings psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you usually react to immediate discomfort?
  • What benefits arise from staying present with pain?
A Different Perspective

Avoidance can lead to chronic stress and unresolved problems.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ajahn Chah

Explore all 105 Ajahn Chah quotes

More Arise quotes

Browse all 1,703 Arise quotes