WHY DOES THE FATHER ALLOW SUFFERING? THE SAIVA SIDDHANTA PERSPECTIVE
Why does the Father allow suffering? The Saiva Siddhanta perspective
Many people ask: "If God is all Love and all Power, why does He allow evil and suffering to exist?" This doubt is the greatest cause of atheism, for no one can accept a "Daddy" who watches His child suffer and does nothing.
However, the Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy brings us a liberating perspective. To understand it, we must grasp three concepts:
1. God did not create evil
Suffering is not a "plan of God," nor is it a punishment. Evil is born from human ignorance (Anava). Imagine that the Father is the Sun. The Sun only emits light and heat. If someone chooses to live in a dark and damp cave, the Sun is not to blame for the mold or the cold that person feels. Suffering is the result of being "hidden" from the Light by our own choices and our ego.
2. The Law of Karma: Perfect Justice
Saiva Siddhanta teaches that suffering is the fruit of our own actions (Karma). God is so ethical and respects our freedom so deeply that He does not interfere with the consequences of our choices. If He prevented suffering, He would be preventing us from learning. Suffering is the "teacher" that warns us when we are on the wrong path. It is like physical pain: if you touch your hand to fire and feel no pain, you lose your hand. Pain makes you pull your hand away and learn to respect the fire.
3. The Process of Soul Maturation
We are like rough diamonds. To shine, they must be cut and polished, and the polishing hurts. The Father allows suffering because He knows that the soul only seeks true evolution when it realizes that the illusions of this world do not bring lasting peace. Suffering is what "wears down" our ego (Anava) so that our original purity can shine through.
God suffers with us
Unlike a cold judge, the Father in Saiva Siddhanta is Karunam (Compassion). He does not cause the pain, but He is present within the pain, giving us the strength to endure it and the wisdom to transform it. He does not remove the burden, but He strengthens our shoulders so that we can walk toward the Light.
Evil is not an opposing force to God, but rather His absence in the human heart. When we develop virtues and ethics, the shadows of suffering begin to disappear—not because God has changed, but because we have finally stepped out of the cave and allowed ourselves to be embraced by His warmth.
Learn more about Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy by clicking here:
https://www.sivayoga.com.br/2026/01/saiva-siddhanta-philosophy-free-english.html
