David, another great article! The Buddha said that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. I couldn’t agree more that suffering is directly proportional to the influence of the ego of the separate self.

However, is suffering truly optional when it comes to love and truth? For instance, when I see my least favorite politician on TV (the one who orchestrated a coup attempt), it does cause some suffering as I love this country and want to see democracy preserved. Is my ego truly at play in that moment?