Suffering = More Growth?

[Lorcan]

Does suffering in the realm of self-help equal more growth?

For example lets examine two meditation sessions.

 

 

The Temprature is 20 degrees celsius , there is a gentle breeze and a near clear sky, the ground is dry. Wears T-shirt (short sleeves). Meditates for 60 minutes.

 

The Temprature is 5 degrees celsius with the wind blowing, the sky is cloudy, the ground is damp. Wears a T-shirt(short sleeve) meditates for 60 minutes.

 

 

I have done both.

The former I would describe as quite pleaseant and the latter as a form of very mild torture.

It often bother me when I go outside in the cold with a jacket, and my mind is telling me not to wear the jacket, that I should wear a t-shirt so I could be colde resistence and increase my self-discpline etc.

Is suffering inherent to more growth?

Edited June 8, 2017 by Lorcan

[Lynnel]

@Lorcan You're just hurting the body. Even Shizen Young tells you not to hurt the body while doing SdS  

[Cjaryo]

Suffering can cause growth, although I would recommend that it be more mental than physical. If the body can survive the cold, the cold then manifests in the mind. The experience may be worse, but you come out better for it (like cold vs hot showers). I think that this parallels to Buddhism, in that you can't be completely indulgent nor completely restrictive. I believe that not wearing the jacket would give you more growth, as it would train your mind to be uncomfortable (a good thing). The extreme forms of this however, would be bad.

[Arkandeus]

keep in mind that suffering that you seek out and discipline through is not the same suffering. 
it is a different form of suffering.
 

suffering that you expect is much easier to handle 
suffering that comes out of nowhere when you're trying your hardest to go after what you want and make your life better, now that is intense, I would almost call this the ''real'' suffering but take this lightly. 

it is very tricky, but to seek suffering can be a way to run from suffering. if you can expect it hurts a lot less.this is not the case always of course
disciplining can be of benefit spiritually, I have gone through such periods as well.