Question: Since suffering is all around us, does it not contribute something to the soul?

Sri Chinmoy: No, suffering does not contribute anything to the soul. We do not go into the light through darkness and suffering; instead, the light transforms our darkness and suffering. The soul overcomes all suffering when it is enlightened.

From:Sri Chinmoy,Eternity's Soul-Bird, part 1, Agni Press, 1974
Sourced from https://srichinmoylibrary.com/esb_1