Pratik's Musings

On Suffering | The Buddha’s Despair

We often revere the Buddha as the epitome of peace and enlightenment, but how often do we pause to consider the depth of his suffering before salvation? It wasn’t merely the sight of sickness, aging, and death that shook him outside the palace gates. His empathy and introspection likely magnified the existential dread we all feel—a deep-seated ache many of us recognize in our own lives.

The spiritual path often calls to those in despair. It’s not comfort or complacency but profound dissatisfaction that propels the search for meaning. The Buddha’s journey reflects this.

Was he melancholic? Perhaps. Could his experiences resemble what we might call depression today? Possibly. All I know is that he wasn’t just curious—he was desperate. Desperate for relief from his own suffering. Those who suffer gravely often seek fervently.

The Buddha’s story reminds us that suffering may be a requisite for spiritual inquiry and growth. Perhaps this is why existential angst is intrinsic to the human condition. It propels us to seek meaning, even if only to alleviate its weight. It’s through the throes of despair that we often discover our deepest purpose.