Wikipedia will tell you that it is pain and unpleasantness. But that is too shallow. That isn't true suffering. To me, suffering is when thoughts start causing physical pain. When the prospect of death seems like the only escape. But sometimes not even death can stop suffering.
I've been thinking about this a lot. What is the nature, the purpose of suffering. And then, it hit me. Maybe the lack of a purpose is the problem? It is easier to take pain when we know when it will end, or when we know that it is a pain of healing. But when it is a destructive pain, or suffering without a purpose, then it is true suffering. Pain for the sake of pain, where nothing is gained and everything is lost. Is that the nature of suffering? I don't know. I can't say that I experienced true suffering on that level. I don't think anyone has. Or at least they haven't lived long enough to tell the tale.
Is being stuck upside down in a cave until you slowly die, knowing nobody will come to rescue you true suffering? Is being a victim of a terrible crime and not being able to ever get justice for it true suffering? Or is it something simpler?
I was never good with words. So please don't blame me if I can't fully define it. That is exactly why I ask this question. I invite you all to discuss the essence and the nature of suffering with me. I wish to understand.
DISCLAIMER: This is a philosophical question. Nothing more, nothing less.
Being upset about things not being how they ought to be isn't really "the essence of suffering". I agree, it's annoying, but what can you do?
I agree, suffering of itself is not bad or good. It builds character in certain situations, and it destroys people in other situations.
I'd say it's more about being able to change something, but not being able to do it. It's futility combined with self-imposed lack of action or idleness. Or at least it is to me. When you can see the right solution, it is right there in your grasp, but you don't grasp it, for whatever reason. Makes me uncomfortable just thinking about it. Like the concentration camp thing. Tou suffer because you can't bring yourself to help (not that I'm saying that you personally should go out there and help). But it's that nagging feeling at the back of your head that if you really tried you could do... something, anything. But you don't.
Or maybe this is just my personal interpretation based on my current situation as well as my past experiences. The world may never know.
Thank you for the comment.