The Side of Suffering: Finding Our True Direction

Exposing the root, our questioning expands to where everything does not swirl around Me, so then what becomes possible? Perhaps in each moment it becomes easy to see exactly what is needed to do to help. As Zen Master Dae Bong said, “In war there are not two sides, there is only the side of suffering.” If there is no outside or inside and nothing to defend, then whatever stands before you, whatever work needs to be done, becomes clear. That frames our direction: address suffering where you find it. Address life or whatever needs a response where you find it.

Our world offers many things besides suffering that may require a response. Some plant trees, others look after those who are weak or sick, and others raise children who are curious, open, and compassionate. There are as many ways to express our direction and invoke this compassionate world as there are people. All this builds a world where trust will help us to join hands and work together, taking the risks that we need to experiment and learn new ways to live. 

Excerpt from Facing Change Beyond Change
Primary Point Fall 2025, Volume 42, Number 2
By Jan Sendzimir JDPSN