Significance of Dukkha
Dukkha is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, referring to suffering or dissatisfaction, recognized as the first of the Four Noble Truths. This term encompasses the inherent unsatisfactoriness of existence, arising from attachments and desires. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist teachings emphasize Dukkha as a core experience of life, motivating followers to seek understanding and ultimately achieve enlightenment. Dukkha captures the universal struggle with suffering, underscoring its central role in understanding the human condition within Buddhist philosophy.
Synonyms: Suffering, Pain, Distress, Anguish, Misery, Discomfort, Sorrow, Lamentation, Adversity, Unsatisfactoriness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dukkha'
Dukkha in Buddhism signifies suffering or dissatisfaction, an inherent aspect of existence stemming from attachments and ignorance. This central concept motivates the quest for enlightenment and the cessation of suffering illustrated in the Four Noble Truths.
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Dukkha refers to the suffering and worry that someone may experience, whether they are wealthy or live a steady life, and this can be in both their heart and body. The text mentions that someone who becomes opulent may experience more dukkha.[1] (2) This is the term for suffering or discontent, which Venerable Acharn Brom claimed to have gained freedom from while in Chiang Mai.[2] (3) The concept of suffering or dissatisfaction, a fundamental notion in Buddhism, that arises from the results of one's kamma.[3] (4) The concept of suffering or dissatisfaction inherent in life, an essential aspect of the Buddha's teachings.[4] (5) Suffering or discontent experienced in life, which is a fundamental concept in Buddhism indicating the inevitable nature of suffering in existence.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The core truth of suffering that Kisagotami learned through her experiences with loss, representing a universal human condition.[6] (2) Suffering or dissatisfaction, representing the core experience of existence, acknowledged by the Buddha.[7] (3) The concept of suffering or unsatisfactoriness in Buddhism, which Sakka recognized himself as being free from after attaining stream-entry knowledge.[8] (4) Suffering or unsatisfactoriness, which is a fundamental concept in Buddhist teachings about the human condition.[9] (5) Suffering or dissatisfaction that one seeks to end through the understanding of supramundane dhamma.[10]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The concept of suffering that is inherent in human existence, encompassing challenges from conception to death.[11] (2) The Buddhist term for suffering, pain, or dissatisfaction that permeates existence and is a fundamental concept within the Four Noble Truths.[12] (3) Suffering or dissatisfaction, an essential concept in Buddhism that highlights the need to break free from samsaric existence.[13] (4) Suffering or dissatisfaction that arises from ignorance of the impermanence of desires and conditions in life.[14] (5) The term used by Bhikkhuni Vajira to describe suffering, which arises, exists, and ends, underscoring the central theme in her discourse.[15]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Dukkha is the inherent unsatisfactoriness and suffering associated with all conditioned phenomena, emphasizing their impermanent nature.[16] (2) The unsatisfactory nature of experience, encapsulated in the grasping at the five khandhas.[17] (3) Suffering or discomfort that is an inherent aspect of existence, often related to attachment and craving.[18] (4) The term for suffering or unsatisfactoriness, which is a central concept in the Four Noble Truths.[19]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Suffering or dissatisfaction, which the wise are able to overcome by relinquishing their attachments.[20] (2) The truth of suffering inherent in existence, another key aspect of contemplation for realizing the nature of life.[21] (3) Painful; a term associated with suffering in the text.[22]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Pain or suffering, an essential aspect of existence within Buddhist teachings.[23] (2) A term indicating suffering, dissatisfaction, or the essential unsatisfactoriness of existence.[24] (3) Suffering or dissatisfaction, a central concept in Buddhist teachings.[25]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The fundamental concept of suffering within Buddhism, representing the inherent unsatisfactoriness of existence.[26] (2) The term for suffering or dissatisfaction in Buddhism, which encompasses the realization that all forms of existence carry inherent discomfort.[27] (3) Dukkha is the term for suffering or dissatisfaction that arises from attachment, clinging, and misunderstanding the nature of existence.[28]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) The concept of suffering and dissatisfaction inherent in existence, which is elucidated in the teachings surrounding Khandhas.[29] (2) The concept of suffering or dissatisfaction inherent in existence.[30] (3) Suffering or dissatisfaction, which is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, emphasizing the inevitable struggles encountered in life.[31]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Physical suffering or discomfort; a term closely associated with the Buddhist concept of suffering.[32] (2) Sufferings or miseries that beings endure, especially in lower planes of existence like gati vipatti.[33]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Suffering or dissatisfaction, which motivates the pursuit of the end of suffering within the Buddhist path.[34]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Suffering or unsatisfactoriness, a central theme taught by the Buddha as part of the Four Noble Truths.[35]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Painful bodily feeling characterized by experiencing disagreeable sensory stimuli.[36]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Pain or suffering that is a fundamental aspect of existence, arising from attachment and ignorance.[37]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A term representing suffering, which the king aims to overcome through the fire of knowledge.[38] (2) A term describing suffering or dissatisfaction, which is central to the teachings of Buddhism.[39]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) Suffering, a fundamental concept in Buddhism recognized as the first of the Four Noble Truths.[40]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term meaning suffering or distress, included in the lists of sannas.[41]
The concept of Dukkha in local and regional sources
Dukkha, indicating suffering or discomfort, is a crucial concept in the Sutta Nipata that highlights the state of non-health, complementing the concept of roga. It emphasizes the pervasive nature of suffering in human experience.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This term signifies suffering or discomfort, which is another axis along with roga used to define the state of non-health within the Sutta Nipata.[42]