Significance of Affliction
Affliction, as discussed across various spiritual traditions, refers to a range of mental and emotional disturbances that hinder personal growth and spiritual progress. In Hinduism, it includes mental obstacles affecting meditation, while Jainism associates it with emotional distress from inappropriate relationships and the challenges on a spiritual path. Tibetan Buddhism highlights afflictions as errors in perception and emotional turmoil affecting enlightenment. Similarly, the concept of klesha in Mahayana Buddhism encompasses the mental disturbances blocking deeper understanding and causing suffering, underscoring the importance of overcoming such afflictions for spiritual advancement.
Synonyms: Suffering, Distress, Pain, Misery, Woe, Anguish, Hardship, Torment, Discomfort, Adversity, Tribulation
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, termed klesha, encompasses mental disturbances like ignorance, craving, and negative emotions that obstruct enlightenment and spiritual progress, leading to suffering. Understanding and overcoming these afflictions are essential for attaining liberation.
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’s spiritual progress.[3] (4) Mental disturbances that hinder one’s 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: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Mental or emotional suffering that leads to distress, often resulting from worry, anxiety, or attachment.[6] (2) The emotional and mental disturbances that arise from sensory perceptions, leading to craving and suffering.[7] (3) States of suffering or confusion that block one from experiencing true enlightenment, compared to ice in its harmful potential.[8] (4) Suffering or obstacles that can ultimately lead to enlightenment, showing the intertwining nature of experiences.[9] (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.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Negative emotional states and attachments that arise from ego and fixation, contributing to suffering.[11] (2) Negative states of mind that hinder spiritual practice, including aggression, jealousy, pride, and ill will.[12] (3) Obstacles such as attachment and ignorance that prevent beings from attaining liberation, which a buddha can identify and articulate.[13] (4) Emotional and mental states that lead to suffering and hinder spiritual progress.[14]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The states of suffering and confusion that motivate the practice of compassion in bodhisattvas.[15] (2) Mental disturbances or emotional pain that distract individuals from achieving peace and enlightenment.[16]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) Mental or emotional states that disturb and cloud the mind, leading to suffering.[17] (2) These are conceptual states that are attributed to a 'someone', but the 'someone' itself is not established.[18]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) Refers to the varieties of suffering and discontent that arise in human life.[19]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) Refers to the disturbances and negative emotions that cloud understanding and perception.[20]
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.[21] (2) Mental disturbances or negative states that hinder an individual's progress towards enlightenment and well-being.[22] (3) Various mental or emotional disturbances that can disorient the mind and lead to erroneous perceptions and pain.[23]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A state of experiencing distress or suffering, exacerbated by the degeneration of commitments.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Affliction'
Affliction in Hinduism encompasses mental disturbances, emotional pain from separation, and obstacles hindering spiritual progress. It involves suffering from desires and worldly attachments, prompting individuals to seek alleviation through spiritual practices and divine grace.
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.[25] (2) The various disturbances or obstacles that hinder the attainment of peace and absolute freedom.[26] (3) Negative experiences or emotions that can disturb the mind and senses, associated with lack of control.[27] (4) Conditions or states that bring suffering to the individual, which need to be managed.[28] (5) Obstacles or sufferings caused by ignorance and egoism that hinder spiritual progress.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Various forms of suffering or distress that arise from desires and the experience of worldly pleasures.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Affliction in this context refers to the psychological suffering caused by viparyaya, which manifests through specific negative states.[31]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The suffering and distress caused by the emotional impacts of separation from loved ones.[32] (2) The suffering experienced, particularly by Rama and his family, due to circumstances surrounding his exile.[33] (3) A state of suffering or distress that King Nriga finds himself in after receiving the curse.[34] (4) The ongoing suffering and sadness that Queen Kaushalya anticipates as a result of her son’s departure, contributing to her overall grief.[35]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A state of suffering or distress experienced by an individual, prompting the inquiry from Divodasa on how to alleviate it.[36]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A term referring to pain or suffering that may be overcome through religious practices.[37]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The various forms of distress or suffering that are aimed to be eradicated through the performance of kotihoma.[38]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Suffering or distress from which devotees seek freedom through the Lord's grace.[39]
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.[40]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Describes the emotional pain Naravahanadatta suffers due to separation from Madanamancuka.[41]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Mental obstacles or disturbances that hinder one's ability to meditate effectively and attain peace.[42]
Jain concept of 'Affliction'
In Jainism, Affliction signifies the challenges faced in adherence to the path of karma stoppage and the emotional distress stemming from unsuitable relationships, highlighting the importance of steadfastness and right associations.
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.[43]
From: The Naladiyar
(1) The emotional pain or distress that arises from pursuing inappropriate relationships or friendships.[44]