Significance of Affliction
Synonyms: Distress, Suffering, Misery, Pain, Hardship, Anguish, Torment, Malady, Ailment, Burden, Adversity, Tribulation, Woe
In French: Affliction; In Dutch: Kwelling; In Finnish: Ahdistus; In Spanish: 础蹿濒颈肠肠颈贸苍; In German: Gebrechen; In Swedish: Lidande; In Malay: Kesengsaraan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Affliction'
Affliction in Buddhism, or klesha, encompasses mental and emotional disturbances like ignorance, attachment, and negative emotions that obstruct spiritual progress, cause suffering, and cloud true understanding, ultimately preventing liberation and enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Klesha, the impurities or defilements that obstruct spiritual progress, which Kashyapa recognized in individuals present.[1] (2) Kleshas that torment the mind and can lead to suffering.[2] (3) Refers to the burdens and emotional or mental disturbances that hinder one鈥檚 spiritual progress.[3] (4) Mental disturbances that hinder one鈥檚 spiritual progress and understanding in Buddhist teachings.[4] (5) Mental disturbances or obstacles that hinder spiritual progress, referred to in this context as klesha.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Negative emotional states and attachments that arise from ego and fixation, contributing to suffering.[6] (2) Negative states of mind that hinder spiritual practice, including aggression, jealousy, pride, and ill will.[7] (3) Mental disturbances that can lead to negative actions, often referred to as mind poisons.[8] (4) Obstacles such as attachment and ignorance that prevent beings from attaining liberation, which a buddha can identify and articulate.[9] (5) Emotional and mental states that lead to suffering and hinder spiritual progress.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Mental or emotional suffering that leads to distress, often resulting from worry, anxiety, or attachment.[11] (2) The emotional and mental disturbances that arise from sensory perceptions, leading to craving and suffering.[12] (3) States of suffering or confusion that block one from experiencing true enlightenment, compared to ice in its harmful potential.[13] (4) Suffering or obstacles that can ultimately lead to enlightenment, showing the intertwining nature of experiences.[14] (5) Delusions of ignorance and overwhelming thoughts that hinder the realization of enlightenment; they are compared to motes of dust that obscure one's true nature.[15]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)鈥擯reface
(1) Refers to the disturbances and negative emotions that cloud understanding and perception.[16]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Obstacles or disturbances in one's mind that contribute to erroneous conceptual content; their absence is necessary for the Omniscient Person.[17] (2) Mental disturbances or negative states that hinder an individual's progress towards enlightenment and well-being.[18] (3) Various mental or emotional disturbances that can disorient the mind and lead to erroneous perceptions and pain.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Affliction'
In Hinduism, Affliction encompasses suffering from various sources, including emotional turmoil, distress from separation, ignorance, and worldly attachments. It highlights the need for spiritual practices, knowledge acquisition, and divine grace to alleviate these mental and emotional obstacles.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Obstacles and emotional disturbances that hinder the mind's ability to achieve states of higher consciousness and duty performance.[20] (2) The various disturbances or obstacles that hinder the attainment of peace and absolute freedom.[21] (3) Negative experiences or emotions that can disturb the mind and senses, associated with lack of control.[22] (4) Conditions or states that bring suffering to the individual, which need to be managed.[23] (5) Obstacles or sufferings caused by ignorance and egoism that hinder spiritual progress.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) Various forms of suffering or distress that arise from desires and the experience of worldly pleasures.[25]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The suffering and distress caused by the emotional impacts of separation from loved ones.[26] (2) The suffering experienced, particularly by Rama and his family, due to circumstances surrounding his exile.[27] (3) A state of suffering or distress that King Nriga finds himself in after receiving the curse.[28] (4) The ongoing suffering and sadness that Queen Kaushalya anticipates as a result of her son鈥檚 departure, contributing to her overall grief.[29]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Suffering or distress from which devotees seek freedom through the Lord's grace.[30]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A term referring to the suffering or distress associated with worldly attachments; the narrative suggests overcoming it through spiritual engagement.[31]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is one of the sahamas, a set of concepts that aid in the outcomes of all the houses, in the same manner that fate supports the endeavors of people.[32] (2) This is one of the sahamas, representing a cause of pain or distress, indicating suffering or hardship, according to the text.[33]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Describes the emotional pain Naravahanadatta suffers due to separation from Madanamancuka.[34]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Mental obstacles or disturbances that hinder one's ability to meditate effectively and attain peace.[35]
Jain concept of 'Affliction'
Affliction in Jainism encompasses emotional distress from unsuitable relationships and the challenges faced in maintaining dedication to spiritual practices aimed at halting karma's cycle. It highlights the struggle between personal attachments and spiritual integrity.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The challenges or sufferings (parishaha) that individuals endure to remain steadfast on the path of stoppage and facilitate the dissociation of karmas.[36]
From: Naladiyar
(1) The emotional pain or distress that arises from pursuing inappropriate relationships or friendships.[37]
The concept of Affliction in local and regional sources
Affliction, as described in the text, encompasses various health disorders linked to bodily imbalances, environmental factors, neglect, overexertion, or past behaviors, illustrating its complex relationship with physical and emotional well-being.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Afflictions are the result of disorders of bile, phlegm, wind, or their colligation, and can be caused by changes in the weather, by neglect of oneself, by overexertion, or as a result of past actions.[38]