Significance of Mental agony

Mental agony encompasses a range of emotional and psychological sufferings experienced by individuals as detailed in various contexts. In Vaishnavism, it is highlighted through the deep distress of devotees, such as the Nayaki's sorrow from the Lord's absence and the Alvar's longing for divine connection. Similar themes of separation and longing are present in Purana and historical contexts, illustrating internal struggles and profound emotional turmoil. The concept is also analyzed in terms of psychological distress in modern science, showcasing its broad implications across different realms of experience.

Synonyms: Emotional pain, Psychological distress, Mental suffering, Anguish, Torment, Distress, Affliction, Heartache, Mental anguish, Emotional distress, Psychological suffering, Inner torment, Mental distress

In Dutch: Mentale kwelling; In Finnish: Henkinen tuska; In Spanish: Agonía mental; In German: Seelische Qualen; In Malay: Kesakitan mental; In Swedish: Psykisk plåga; In French: Agonie mentale; In Portugese: Agonia mental; In Italian: Agonia mentale; In Polish: Męka psychiczna

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Mental agony'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, mental agony is viewed as suffering caused by emotional turmoil. This suffering dissipates as individuals attain higher understanding, leading to a state free from such distress.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) The suffering stemming from emotional turmoil, which is no longer felt once a person attains higher understanding.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Mental agony'

Hinduism Books

Mental agony in Hinduism encompasses various forms of emotional and psychological suffering, including the pain of separation from the divine, intense longing, and distress arising from external circumstances, ultimately reflecting a deeper spiritual longing for connection with the divine.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The emotional suffering that drives the speaker to seek the Lord's attention.[2] (2) The psychological suffering experienced by the Alvar due to the conflict between his great longing for the divine and his limited capacity to attain that experience.[3] (3) The emotional pain inflicted on devotees by the Lord's absence, which serves as part of a divine technique to intensify their longing for Him.[4] (4) The intense emotional suffering the mother experiences relating to her daughter's distress.[5] (5) The state the Alvar experiences due to his inability to fully enjoy the Lord in His Iconic Form.[6]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The distress and emotional suffering experienced by the speaker while living in Jagannatha Puri, which is alleviated by seeing the lotus face of the Lord.[7]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The former distress and suffering experienced by devotees due to ridicule and harassment from nondevotees.[8]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) A suffering felt by the King due to not getting a son.[9] (2) A state of distress and anxiety experienced by characters during conflicts and challenges.[10] (3) The deep distress felt by Vishvakarma due to his son Trishira's death, which motivates Vritra’s quest for vengeance against Indra.[11]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A feeling that the king of Mathura was asked to cast off, along with fear, consequent upon Kamsa’s death.[12]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) This term is listed as one of the factors that can contribute to Khalitya, as detailed in the text about the condition.[13]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) Depression (dainya) is caused by Determinants such as poverty, mental agony and the like. It is to be represented on the stage by Consequents such as want of self-command, dullness of the body, absent-mindedness, giving up of cleansing [the body] and the like.[14]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions

(1) Insanity arising from intense mental stress due to loss or threats from external situations, leading to a loss of strength and consciousness.[15]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

The concept of Mental agony in local and regional sources

History Books

Mental agony encompasses emotional suffering tied to unreciprocated love and familial tragedy, as seen in Lamb and Jagadambal. It reflects profound distress, similar to poets' suffering, often alleviated by harmonious music.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The narrator perspired, yet walked fast under this that the narrator suffered from and reached Vasanti’s room half of the time the narrator usually took.[16] (2) The emotional suffering experienced by Lamb, particularly related to his unreciprocated love and the tragic events in his family.[17] (3) The suffering experienced by poets, similar to that of the nightingale, often arising from longing or desire.[18] (4) Profound emotional distress experienced by characters, particularly Jagadambal, illustrating their internal struggles.[19] (5) A state of deep psychological suffering that can be alleviated by harmonious music.[20]

The concept of Mental agony in scientific sources

Science Books

Mental agony is a state of suffering linked to emotional distress or psychological pain, as noted in the context of Adhivyadhi, emphasizing its significance in understanding the psychological impact on individuals in specific cultural contexts.