Poetry. Asian & Asian American Studies. In Japanese, shiku hakku means to endure, an expression that originates in Buddhism. THE FOUR SUFFERINGS links Terry Watada's past and present while acknowledging the fundamental suffering of human existence-in birth, aging, illness and death, as well as the suffering endured in daily living-in mundane frustrations, desire, and separation. As well, it celebrates love, and in the end it comes to seek an enlightened state of acceptance. Rise above life's hardships and rejoice in the state of life is the overall theme of this collection.