3, AFFLICTION

Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experience, that at the time seemed desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed everything I have learnt, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence has been through 'affliction' and through 'happiness'. If it were to be possible to eliminate affliction from our earthly existence, the result would not be to make life delectable, but to make it too banal and trivial to be endurable.