Significance of Great suffering
Great suffering is a concept observed across various philosophical and religious teachings, including Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Vedanta, Dharmashastra, Mahayana, and Theravada. It encompasses significant distress or pain arising from unwholesome actions, the suffering at death, emotional anguish, and the consequences of one’s actions. This suffering manifests not only as physical and emotional pain associated with existential experiences like birth and death but also as a result of karmic repercussions, illustrating a pervasive human condition that each tradition seeks to address or alleviate.
Synonyms: Severe pain, Intense suffering, Extreme distress, Profound anguish, Deep misery, Agony, Torment, Anguish, Distress, Pain, Misery, Sorrow, Affliction
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great suffering'
Great suffering in Buddhism encompasses the deep distress from unwholesome actions, the inherent pain of birth, aging, illness, and death, and the emotional turmoil experienced throughout life, emphasizing the universal struggle and the quest for alleviation through spiritual understanding.
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The result of aspirations and desires according to the Buddha's teachings.[1] (2) A reference to the universal human experience of pain, illness, and death that the crown prince becomes acutely aware of.[2] (3) The intense emotional and physical pain experienced due to attachment and the cycle of life, which the Buddha aims to alleviate through his teachings.[3] (4) The pervasive experience of pain and discomfort in existence, which Buddhism seeks to understand and transcend.[4] (5) The anguished state experienced by those left behind, particularly by the wives and women of the palace.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The significant distress experienced after the transient pleasure derived from the five objects of desire fades away.[6] (2) An intense and significant type of affliction experienced particularly during moments of critical life events.[7] (3) Poverty is identified as a significant source of suffering, but it does not directly lead to committing evil actions.[8]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The excruciating pain and physical hardship the Bodhisatta encountered during his rigorous asceticism.[9]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Refers to the immense pain endured by humanity, particularly in the context of birth, old age, disease, and death.[10]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A significant level of distress or pain that results from performing unwholesome actions.[11] (2) The intense pain and distress that one may experience at the moment of death, devoid of any external support.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Great suffering'
In Hinduism, Great suffering encompasses profound emotional and physical pain stemming from actions, karmic consequences, separation, and hardship, as seen in various contexts like famine, moral failings, and existence itself.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The intense hardship experienced by Lohajangha due to prolonged famine, which drove him to commit theft.[13] (2) The anguish experienced by the Suras and Asuras during the emergence of Kalakuta poison from the churning of the ocean.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The extreme challenges and hardships endured by the sons of Pandu during their time in the woods.[15]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The painful experience stemming from worldly existence, which the lords and goddesses help alleviate.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The significant emotional and physical distress endured by the elephant, spurring a desperate need for escape.[17]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The intense pain and distress experienced by beings in both hell and upon birth, as well as throughout life.[18]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Significant pain or distress that outweighs any initial pleasure experienced from an action.[19] (2) A significant level of pain and anguish, particularly in the context of the torments faced by misbehaved persons.[20] (3) The severe torment experienced after death, particularly for those who cause harm to a Brahmana, manifested in the form of hell.[21] (4) The potential impact on a patient if a necessary medicine is stolen, emphasizing the importance of timing in the evaluation of theft.[22] (5) Intense physical or emotional pain experienced as a result of one's actions, particularly in the context of karmic punishment.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A profound level of pain or distress experienced by individuals, highlighted in the context of a plea to a sage regarding their hardships.[24] (2) The intense emotional pain and sorrow expressed in the verse, particularly in regard to the feelings of separation.[25]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Intense emotional or physical pain that the characters express as afflicting them deeply.[26]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) When offenses mar auspicious deeds the result is great suffering.[27]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The pain and distress caused by the jiva’s bondage that the text aims to address and explain gradually.[28]
Jain concept of 'Great suffering'
In Jainism, Great suffering signifies profound distress faced by those with a correct outlook, indicating existential challenges, and intense pain linked to one's actions, often manifesting in a hellish experience.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A state of significant distress experienced by those who have a right outlook, suggesting a deeper existential challenge.[29]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Intense and severe pain experienced by individuals, often associated with the consequences of one's actions in a hellish context.[30]
The concept of Great suffering in local and regional sources
Great suffering signifies the profound physical or emotional pain experienced by Joga, underlining the gravity of his medical state as noted by regional sources. This term encapsulates the intense hardships he faces.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Severe physical or emotional pain endured by Joga, reflecting the seriousness of his condition.[31]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Significant pain or hardship experienced by individuals, which gives rise to nobility and profound themes in tragedy.[32]