Significance of Suffering
Synonyms: Pain, Anguish, Distress, Torment, Misery, Agony, Woe, Affliction, Hardship
In Dutch: Lijden; In Finnish: 碍盲谤蝉颈尘测蝉迟盲; In Spanish: Sufrimiento; In German: Leiden; In Swedish: Lidande; In Malay: Penderitaan; In French: Souffrance; In Finnish: 碍盲谤蝉颈尘测蝉
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Suffering'
Suffering in Buddhism, or dukkha, signifies the inherent pain and dissatisfaction in existence, highlighted by Mahakashyapa's teachings. It encompasses the emotional and physical distress tied to life鈥檚 transitory nature, ultimately leading to liberation through understanding.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) One of the core characteristics of existence acknowledged by the bodhisattva, where they strive to alleviate suffering in themselves and others.[1] (2) The state of undergoing pain or distress, often highlighted in Buddhist teachings as central to the human experience.[2] (3) The state of distress or discomfort that is a central theme in the teachings of Buddhism and discussed notably in the context of Agramati's experience.[3] (4) The fundamental concept in Buddhism that emphasizes the reality of pain and dissatisfaction in life.[4] (5) The existential pain experienced by beings, which the bodhisattva aims to alleviate.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Experiencing discomfort or pain as a result of negative actions and karma, central to the Buddhist understanding of existence.[6] (2) The inherent dissatisfaction and pain present in human life, as understood through the lens of the Four Noble Truths.[7] (3) A condition acknowledged by the Buddha, emphasizing its reality and the necessity for understanding its origin to attain liberation.[8] (4) The fundamental aspect of existence in Buddhist thought, representing the inherent dissatisfaction of worldly life that one seeks to transcend.[9] (5) The condition resulting from craving, ignorance, and the actions of evil, leading beings away from enlightenment.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The fundamental human experience characterized by dissatisfaction and distress, emphasized in Buddhist teachings as crucial to understanding the nature of existence.[11] (2) Refers to the hardships that practitioners, especially bodhisattvas, willingly endure as part of their commitment to benefiting others.[12]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The experience of pain and dissatisfaction that sentient beings undergo within the cycles of birth and death.[13] (2) The existential distress or turmoil experienced by beings in the cycle of birth and rebirth, which the Earth Store Bodhisattva aims to alleviate.[14]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The central concept in Buddhism that encompasses various varieties of distress caused by attachment and existence.[15] (2) The inherent feeling of pain or distress experienced by an individual, often exacerbated by external and internal influences.[16]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The fundamental nature of worldly existence acknowledged by the prince, prompting his commitment to seek a solution.[17]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The deep, unending pain experienced by the sinners in Avici Hell.[18]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The letter is revealing the truths of this, origination and the way; while the meaning is realizing cessation.[19]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The state of experiencing pain or distress, fundamentally linked to craving according to Buddhist philosophy.[20] (2) Recognized in Buddhism as an intrinsic part of existence, associated with birth, aging, illness, and death.[21] (3) An inescapable condition of ordinary life encompassing various forms, including birth, decay, and death.[22] (4) The central problem in Buddhism, encompassing all forms of physical and emotional distress experienced by sentient beings.[23] (5) The inevitable pain or unhappiness that arises from engaging in unwholesome actions and the accumulation of evil deeds.[24]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The state of discomfort and pain, which is fundamentally addressed through the teachings of Dhamma leading to the cessation of suffering.[25] (2) A significant aspect of the Buddha's teachings, often related to the concept of dukkha, intricately tied to the understanding of the five aggregates.[26] (3) One of the three universal characteristics of existence taught by the Buddha, alongside impermanence and non-self.[27] (4) The state that Aggidatta's disciples sought to escape from, as taught in Buddhist ideology.[28] (5) The pain and distress resulting from attachment to material objects and the mistakes associated with indulging in sense desires.[29]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The state of distress experienced by living beings, which is eliminated in Nibbana.[30] (2) A condition that arises from the effects of ignorance and craving within the frameworks of the life cycles.[31] (3) The inherent state of distress and pain in existence, as articulated in Buddhist teachings concerning the human condition.[32] (4) The inherent dissatisfaction experienced in life due to clinging to impermanent things.[33] (5) The emotional or physical distress that all living beings face due to the inherent nature of existence.[34]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The end result of actions taken without heeding warnings or considering future consequences.[35] (2) A central theme in Buddhist philosophy highlighting the importance of understanding and overcoming pain in the quest for enlightenment.[36] (3) The result of the people鈥檚 plight due to the prolonged absence of rain.[37] (4) A recurrent theme within the text, reflecting the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate through desires, attachment, and the quest for liberation.[38]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Painful feeling, correlating with various forms of distress and struggles in life.[39] (2) The inherent dissatisfaction and pain associated with conditioned existence.[40] (3) According to the text, suffering (dukkha) is an intrinsic part of existence, characterized as difficult to endure and a central principle in Buddhist thought.[41]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The experience of pain, dissatisfaction, and distress inherent in existence, as highlighted throughout the teachings.[42] (2) The state that the holy life aims to eradicate, central to Buddhist teachings.[43]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The experience of pain, grief, and lamentation that arises as a result of the dependent origination process.[44] (2) The painful experience arising from the realization of impermanence and the absence of self.[45]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The emotional or physical pain experienced by individuals, even if they are not directly responsible for the wrongdoing.[46]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The concept of dukkha in Buddhist philosophy, which is referenced in the context of understanding existence in Abhidhamma.[47]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Referred to as dukkha, it arises from attachment to the 5 Aggregates, indicating the importance of understanding impermanence and the nature of existence.[48]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The inherent pain and dissatisfaction tied to the cycle of existence and the result of various unwholesome akusala dhammas.[49]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) This is the state that all beings are companions in, along with birth, growing old, pain, and death, without exception.[50]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A central theme in Buddhist teachings, with the hope that all beings may be free from it.[51]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) An important theme in Buddha's life, marked by an excursion beyond the palace walls which leads to significant transformations in his understanding.[52]
Hindu concept of 'Suffering'
In Hinduism, suffering encompasses multiple dimensions, including the consequences of offending divine figures, emotional pain from separation, and hardships from life's struggles, ultimately seen as a fundamental part of human existence and spiritual growth.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A state of distress experienced by the Pandavas due to their circumstances with the Kauravas.[53] (2) Refers to the pain or distress that Radha is feeling, a central theme in Uddhava's address.[54] (3) The experience of pain or distress as a result of life's struggles, particularly for those not devoted.[55] (4) Refers to the pain, distress, or hardships experienced in life.[56] (5) 'tapanam' refers to the experience of pain or distress.[57]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A state experienced by Yashoda, reflecting her emotional pain as she searches for news about her son.[58] (2) The state of experiencing pain or distress, which can be exacerbated when the sorrowful rati is fed by sorrowful emotions.[59] (3) The experience of physical or emotional pain, distress, or hardship.[60] (4) Refers to the pains or hardships experienced by the speaker, highlighting a need for relief.[61]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The pains and consequences faced by those who offend the Vaishnavas.[62] (2) The state of distress that the brothers are addressing, questioning why it persists despite the provisions made by Goddess Candi.[63] (3) A state of distress or hardship that is deemed suitable for people who have sinned.[64]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) An emotional state that, in the context of devotion, can lead to greater spiritual joy if endured for the beloved's happiness.[65]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The distress that arises from attachment to material wealth and prosperity, which Bhagavan seeks to prevent for His devotees.[66]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The experiences of pain or distress that the speaker seeks to endure without losing faith.[67]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The state experienced by beings, particularly the Daityas, when they are forsaken by Shri, leading to their downfall.[68] (2) The experience of hardship faced by the Brahmana and his family during the famine, highlighting the theme of self-denial and sacrifice.[69] (3) The calamities and sorrows that the Rishis aim to avoid and that come from unrighteousness.[70] (4) Refers to the difficulties faced during the life of exile in the woods, as mentioned by Draupadi.[71]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to Sita's emotional and physical anguish in her current predicament.[72] (2) The pain and distress experienced by Sita due to her separation from Rama.[73]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The challenges and adversities faced by Jabala and Maudgalya, prompting deeper spiritual inquiry.[74]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) An all-encompassing term referring to both pain (duhkha) and an individual's experience of unhappiness, often seen as fundamental to human existence.[75]
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.[76] (2) This is one of the sahamas, representing the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship, as indicated in the text.[77] (3) Suffering, as mentioned in the text, is a possible outcome, and is considered in relation to planetary configurations that influence outcomes and events related to the eighth house.[78] (4) This sahama is produced by subtracting Jupiter from Fortune by day or night, and then adding the result to Mars.[79] (5) Suffering is the experience of pain or distress, and its presence is associated with the influence of Saturn as the ruler of the year, as described in the provided text.[80]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The concept of suffering relates to various groups experiencing negative outcomes based on the appearances of Digdaha.[81]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) In this context, suffering denotes an absence of earned wealth, characterizing a state that might not necessarily equate to urgency or distress.[82] (2) The experience of pain or hardship that is symbolized by the metaphor of darkness.[83]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The act of experiencing pain, which affects the classification of that pain as avoidable or not.[84]
Jain concept of 'Suffering'
In Jainism, suffering is a fundamental concept linked to the pain of existence and karmic actions, experienced painfully by infernal beings and humanity alike. It highlights the pitfalls of sensual pleasures and drives practitioners toward transcendence.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Suffering is an experience that gives rise to similar characteristics in beings, particularly those with passions.[85] (2) The experience of pain or hardship as a result of karmic actions.[86] (3) The consequence faced by infernal beings and possibly reflective of the human condition tied to the various activities.[87] (4) A core concept in Jain philosophy related to the experience of pain and distress, considered a fundamental aspect of existence that practitioners seek to transcend.[88]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Vedana, the state of experiencing pain or hardship that is exacerbated by the inauspicious qualities of infernal beings' existence.[89] (2) Suffering is described as the ultimate experience resulting from injury, karmic actions, and inadequate relief provided by sensual-pleasures.[90]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The pain or hardship that Goshala feels and links to the Lord's indifference.[91]
The concept of Suffering in local and regional sources
Suffering encapsulates the emotional struggles of characters, highlights essential themes in 'Jean-Christophe,' and reflects broader human experiences, emphasizing the necessity of guidance amid hardship, as illustrated through various narratives and philosophical discussions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The state of experiencing pain, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance during challenging and difficult times.[92] (2) A term in Buddhism that encompasses physical, psychological, and philosophical dimensions, illustrating the universal plight of existence.[93] (3) A common experience shared by the characters, highlighting their emotional struggles and pain related to love.[94] (4) The hardships and difficult experiences endured by Mariyayi and Kathan.[95] (5) The experience of physical or emotional pain, which is a central theme in the discussions between Mrs. Allen and the Patient.[96]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Suffering means enduring pain, distress, or hardship, a state of being that involves emotional or physical discomfort, as indicated.[97]