Accepting voluntary suffering

Suffering voluntarily

Description

Accepting physical and spiritual pain when appropriately motivated and in right circumstances, benefits not only the individual but also the larger society.

Context

Voluntary suffering is not only a part of the religious life but happens among families and friends, or anyone who is willing to set aside his own comfort for the benefit of others.

Claim

Voluntary suffering has a place in authentic asceticism, is required in the pursuit of perfection and is basic to a truly humane morality.

Counter-claim

Voluntary suffering is a form of masochism. In addition, it is used as an argument by movements to make people docilely accept discipline and obedience.