Why do we suffer

In Jainism, suffering (duḥkha) is understood as a consequence of karma. According to Jain teachings, every soul (jīva) is inherently pure, blissful, and full of knowledge, but becomes bound by karmic particles due to its own actions, thoughts, and passions (kashayas) such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

The main reasons for suffering in Jain philosophy are:

1. Karma Bandha (Bondage of Karma): Every action—whether of body, speech, or mind—attracts karmic particles to the soul, especially when actions are driven by passions or ignorance. These karmas obscure the soul’s true nature and result in pain and suffering.

1. Ignorance (Avidya): Not knowing the true nature of the soul and reality leads individuals to act in ways that bind more karma, perpetuating the cycle of birth, death, and suffering (samsara).

1. Attachment and Aversion (Raga and Dvesha): Attachment to pleasures and aversion to pain cause mental disturbances and suffering. These feelings further bind the soul with karmas.

1. Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara): As long as the soul is entangled in the cycle of birth and death, it experiences various forms of suffering due to past karmas.

How to Overcome Suffering:

Jainism teaches that suffering can be reduced and ultimately eliminated by following the path of right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak jnan), and right conduct (samyak charitra). By practicing non-violence (ahimsa), self-restraint, truthfulness, and detachment, one can shed karmas and move toward liberation (moksha), where there is eternal bliss and no suffering.

In summary, according to Jainism, we suffer because of our own karmas and ignorance, and liberation from suffering is possible through self-effort and right conduct.