Pain, in its myriad forms, is often the entry point for practice. Tragedy and heartbreak, discontent and unease, something among these inspires us toward something different. The Buddhist path offers a path out of the pain by transforming our relationship to it.
“Pain is sacred. Our troubles are what compels us to ask the deeper questions. It is in tending our measure of sorrow that we transform our lives.
And because pain is sacred, we also cannot hold on to it. It is ours to work with for some time but then it must be returned to the earth” – Ralph De La Rosa
This talk explores the four Noble Truths in light of their power to make our suffering sacred, as a way of cultivating the joys of blamelessness, calm, and insight. It was offered for the Boundless Freedom Project sangha on May 15, 2025.
The talk is also available to listen on the Insight Timer App.
