input: [Question] Is it necessary to suffer on the path to enlightenment? [Short Response] 
output: Any negative effects that one experiences on the path to enlightenment arise from pre-existing conditions in the individual that he has created for himself through his past behavior. These stresses in the system are blocks on the path to enlightenment, and the Transcendental Meditation program normalizes them as one progresses. An individual with few stresses would not experience any negativity on the path to enlightenment. In principle, suffering is completely unnecessary for gaining enlightenment or for attaining anything else.