Significance of Miserable condition
Miserable condition, as interpreted across various Indian philosophies, is generally characterized by a state of suffering or distress. In Buddhism, it denotes suffering due to neglect of duties, while Jainism highlights physical and emotional suffering endured by characters like Bala and Katha. Vaishnavism discusses emotional unhappiness, often linked to past sins, and similarly, in Purana, it refers to individuals in distress, seeking relief. Overall, the concept illustrates a common theme of suffering that prompts spiritual seeking and emancipation across different traditions.
Synonyms: Deplorable state, Terrible condition, Unfortunate condition, Wretched state, Dire straits, Deplorable condition, Woeful state, Lamentable state
In Dutch: Ellendige toestand
In Finnish: Surkea kunto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Miserable condition'
In Buddhism, "Miserable condition" signifies suffering stemming from excessive desire, as cautioned by Sakka, and also reflects the distress arising from neglecting one's responsibilities and duties.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The various types of suffering caused by overwhelming desire, as warned by Sakka.[1]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A state of suffering resulting from disobedience and neglect of one’s duties.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Miserable condition'
In Hinduism, the "Miserable condition" encompasses the unfortunate fates related to envy, devastation from calamities, suffering due to past sins, emotional turmoil, and distress in devotional practices, reflecting the challenges faced in samsara.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A state of extreme hardship faced by beings due to calamities such as drought.[3] (2) Vinata’s state of despair expressed through her physical appearance and sorrow for her situation.[4] (3) The suffering state Rukmini finds herself in due to her distressing circumstances.[5] (4) The state of suffering that the ghosts endure as a consequence of their past misdeeds, expressing the gravity of their ghosthood.[6] (5) A state of severe discomfort or distress experienced in the Pampa forest.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the distress and unfortunate circumstances faced by Yudhishthira and the Pandavas.[8] (2) The state of distress experienced by the dwellers of Citraratha forest, attributed to the actions surrounding the powerful being's emergence.[9] (3) The state of suffering experienced by those who have lost loved ones and comforts in life.[10]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to the state of existence characterized by suffering and difficulties from which devotees seek liberation.[11] (2) The adverse and distressed situation the Pandavas faced due to the actions of their enemies.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of suffering experienced by creatures entangled in desires and attachments, metaphorically illustrated through the sparrow's fate.[13] (2) Various hardships and adversities faced during the journey of samsara.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The dire state faced by the parents of the wounded youth due to his death, showcasing the ripple effect of actions.[15] (2) The state of despair faced by King Dasaratha as the unfolding events challenge his sense of duty and parental love.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to individuals in distress who, upon remembering or calling upon Ganga, find relief or salvation.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Janaka's lamentation over the dismal state of being part of a restless human mob.[18]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The state of suffering or hardship experienced by the devotees prior to the Lord's incarnation.[19] (2) The painful state of existence experienced by the conditioned soul due to past sins and ignorance.[20] (3) The unfortunate state or suffering that is being pointed out by the Lord.[21] (4) The unfortunate state of those inside the house, which they hide from the outside world due to embarrassment.[22] (5) The unfortunate fate that befalls those who harbor envy towards Lord Caitanya and fail in their devotional practices.[23]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The state of sadness and despair that the speaker finds herself in, longing for the divine connection.[24] (2) The current state of the daughter, marked by despair and lack of joy due to the effects of love.[25]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A state resulting from not following the path of bhakti, from which practitioners are assured of avoidance if they engage in even slight bhakti practices.[26] (2) The threefold sufferings that trouble the living entity in the material world.[27]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A state of emotional distress or unhappiness; in this context, it's described as dina-vat, meaning 'as if miserable' despite being in Vaikuntha.[28]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The unfortunate state of the three sisters during the dreadful famine they experienced after their husbands abandoned them.[29]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A state of being resulting from unfavorable sense-objects.[30]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A state of being closely linked to the unfavorable appearances of Venus within various Vithis.[31]
Jain concept of 'Miserable condition'
In Jainism, "Miserable condition" signifies the unfortunate existence compelling creatures toward emancipation, reflects ascetic dedication, and describes states of distress in various figures, emphasizing suffering as a pathway to spiritual awakening.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of great unhappiness or distress, often resulting from unfortunate circumstances.[32] (2) A depiction of Shridatta's former life, characterized by poverty and distress, leading her to seek spiritual guidance.[33] (3) Katha's ongoing state of suffering and difficulty throughout his childhood and youth.[34] (4) The unfortunate state of existence faced by all creatures, prompting the search for emancipation.[35] (5) The state of suffering or distress experienced by the munis due to their intense penance and fasting.[36]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A description of Bala's physical state during his begging, emphasizing his dedication to asceticism.[37]
The concept of Miserable condition in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Miserable condition" encapsulates Surayya's heartbreaking situation, highlighting the profound despair and hardship he faces after losing his wealth and enduring family tragedies, marking a significant downturn in his life circumstances.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The tough living circumstances depicted in stories, particularly concerning untouchables and society's marginalized.[38] (2) Refers to the dire state of Surayya’s life after the loss of his wealth and the tragedies that befell his family.[39]