"I hate suffering."
Haru said honestly.
Ren asked back. "So a life without suffering is ideal?"
"Obviously."
Simon showed another perspective. "But isn't suffering necessary for growth?"
Haru was confused. "A necessary evil?"
"Not quite," Ren said. "Buddhism sees suffering as the essence of life."
"Essence? Meaning unavoidable?"
"Yes. The first of the Four Noble Truths: the truth of suffering. To live is to suffer."
Haru resisted. "But there are enjoyable things too."
"Temporary," Ren said calmly. "Everything changes. So attachment creates suffering."
Simon supplemented. "But in the West it's different. Epicurus considered pleasure good."
"So suffering should be avoided?"
"Not simple," Simon said. "Epicurus's pleasure was static pleasure."
"Static pleasure?"
"Absence of desire. Peace of mind."
Haru was confused. "Doesn't that resemble Buddhist nirvana?"
Ren nodded. "Close. East and West reach similar conclusions."
"So the answer is the same?"
"The methods differ," Ren explained. "Buddhism accepts suffering. The West avoids it."
Simon continued. "But Nietzsche said something different."
"Nietzsche?"
"He affirmed suffering. 'Say yes to life.'"
Haru was surprised. "Welcome suffering?"
"Not welcome, but accept," Simon said. "Through suffering, we become stronger."
Ren added. "Existentialism is similar. Finding meaning in suffering."
"Meaning?"
"Frankl said 'suffering is bearable if it has meaning.'"
Haru pondered. "So suffering itself isn't evil?"
"Depends on context," Ren said. "Meaningless suffering should be avoided."
"But meaningful suffering?"
"An opportunity for growth," Simon answered.
Haru questioned. "But how do you find meaning?"
"Choice," Ren said. "Same suffering, but interpretation is chosen."
"Interpretation?"
"See it as sacrifice or as investment."
Simon gave an example. "Marathon suffering. Seems meaningless, but is investment for achievement."
"I see..."
"But," Haru said honestly, "we can't find meaning in all suffering."
Ren admitted. "True. That's why Buddhism teaches cessation of suffering."
"Eliminate suffering?"
"Eliminate attachment. Remove the cause of suffering."
Simon supplemented. "The West too. Stoics let go of attachment to what they can't control."
Haru looked out the window. Rain falling. Unavoidable natural phenomenon.
"Is suffering like rain?"
"Good metaphor," Ren said. "Unavoidable. But we can choose an umbrella."
"Umbrella?"
"Coping methods. Interpretation. Attitude."
Simon added. "And after rain, there might be a rainbow."
Haru laughed. "Isn't that too optimistic?"
"But it leaves possibility," Simon said. "Hope is more productive than despair."
Ren concluded. "Should suffering be avoided? The answer is 'it depends.'"
"Vague."
"Philosophy doesn't give clear answers," Ren smiled. "Continuing to think is the answer."
Haru took a deep breath. "Facing suffering is also suffering."
"But healthier than avoiding," Simon said.
The three quietly reflected. On suffering, a human experience.