On Hinduism

This is a very poignant question, especially in times like a global  pandemic, when thousands of people are dying every day. It strikes at the very root of the concept that God is compassionate.

First, we must understand that Atman (Soul), the expression of Life Force within us, is immortal. It is a traveler that is occupying this body temporarily and must move on.

Second, someone may think that death is a punishment, permanent. This is not true. We have come here with an agenda, propelled by our past, and with limited resources, including time. Our time is best utilized when we understand the goal of life, and pursue it with sincerity and devotion. Death is not a punishment. It is a window of opportunity. We will move on to better places, depending on our performance in this and earlier lives.

God IS compassionate. He promises in the Gita–”Na me Bhakta Pranashyathi”. My devotee shall never perish. You take one step closer to me, and I will come 10 steps closer to you.

Then why do all these people suddenly die? We are all sent to this world to learn. Some learn quickly, some take time. All actions must produce results. When and where, we don’t know. Perhaps we have been to places where we should not go or did things we are not supposed to or ate something we are not supposed to. Nature and the Law of Karma enforces the consequences of those actions.

It is only our attachment to this ephemeral body that makes death seem so painful. The Upanishads say that to the Realized Master, death is but a pickle on the tongue, to be enjoyed.

I am not the body. Aham Brahmaasmi. I am that Immortal Reality.

This is true for even those that do not understand it or accept it.

.Other reading material:

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhilanand Hinduism Q & A: Why Does God Allow Suffering

Contributor: Madhu Kopalle

Location of this post (10e): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-are-so-many-innocent-people-suffering-or-being-killed/

Suffering is relative. To a billionaire with all the luxuries and security of life available, an individual residing in a small apartment in a crime-ridden neighborhood of a metropolis is suffering. A wealthy person, despite his/her wealth can be suffering from depression, while a young boy playing with marbles on the dusty streets of a poor country can be in bliss. 

Suffering has a purpose for all. It is not just physical and what is visible on the surface. Suffering, the state of mind, is karmic accounting at work–for both the one who suffers, and for the one who is the cause of the suffering. For the one who is suffering, it is a repayment of karmic debt, and a cleansing activity. To the one who is the cause of suffering, it is an accrual of karmic debt for a future settlement. For those (hopefully us), who are not suffering and notice the suffering in the world, it is an opportunity to address it to further cleanse ourselves and get closer to the divine.

We must understand that the Atma or Soul, the expression of the Life Force within us, is immortal. It is a traveler that is occupying this body temporarily and will move on.

We think that death is bad. This is a misconception. It is the only certainty we are the most sure about. The issue is death that is inflicted by others and unnatural causes. Being killed, just like suffering, is a karma-driven interruption, in what is otherwise expected to be a natural course of life.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: Why Does God Allow Suffering

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

Location of this post (10j): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-does-god-allow-suffering/