1) How did you respond to a loss, a personal challenge or a period of difficulty or suffering in your life?

Life is a continuous struggle, which is full of obstacles. Problems, challenges and issues surface regularly to test our resolve and character. However, some people crumble under the pressure of these challenges and problems, whereas as few learn from it further strengthens their character and resolve.

It is also to be recognized that different people have developed different mechanisms to cope up with challenges or issues. These mechanisms refine as more we employ them, in such critical or intense situations.

There were several occasions, in my life, which demanded my complete attention and devotion. These challenges were so immense or huge that they were not only affecting my present, but also they could have adversely affected my future too. Therefore, it was necessary for me to take serious and rational measures and use my skills, analysis and intellect to cope this problem.

When I had to cope a challenge, which was of immense magnitude, I first try to comprehend the challenge itself. Without a proper knowledge or understanding of challenge, a strategy, to curb-mitigate or cope it, cannot be devised. Therefore, first I attempted to get out of that state of panic, by becoming more objective and focusing on the repercussions of that tragedy.

I told myself that what had happened had happened, it could not be undone; therefore, the focus should be on future and devising measures, which could mitigate its ramifications. I have learned one thing, during this process that there are two reactions; one is immediate and irrational and other is rational and delayed.

2) In your view, are such times of suffering, loss, etc. a judgment or punishment for our own actions as suggested by some belief or religious traditions?

I believe that there are few matters, which are in control and most of the matters are not and these matters that are autonomous affect us most. I do believe that nature also punishes a person for his/her wrong actions, but most of the time it is we, who are responsible for our plight. We take such measures or actions, which are not prudent and only benefit us in the short-term, sometimes. Therefore, most of the times, it is not the divine judgment, which makes our life difficult, but our own decisions that are irrational and do not have depth.

There are people, who do not want to blame themselves for their miseries, as they are too proud to accept their mistake and there are some, who blame God or nature because they want to evade the process of rectifying their mistakes. Therefore, all responsible people, most of the time, accept their responsibility and do not blame God, as they know that neither this will end the problem, nor it is true.

If this question has been asked in the context of death, my answer remains the same, as I believe that death is a part of natural process. Those, who have come to this world, must leave; it is a cycle, which must complete. Therefore, I do not blame God for loss or suffering.

3) Is God involved in determining who suffers? If so, how? If not, what is God’s involvement in our challenges and sufferings?

I firmly believe that humans have free will and we will be judged in afterworld. However, I also believe that sometimes God tests human; tests the character, our resolve. It is also necessary that we must understand that world is based on some principles, which are absolute. We must not blame God if natural or personal calamity occurs. This is part of life and we must accept it as a reality. This process has been going on for epochs and the system will continue to function.