Significance of Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering is viewed through various lenses in different philosophical and religious contexts. Buddhism links it to mental confusion and unwholesome states, while Hinduism attributes it to ignorance and the cycle of existence. Jainism considers it a result of actions and past animosities, as well as the trials faced by monks. Tibetan Buddhism associates pain with life’s challenges stemming from one's actions. Ayurveda emphasizes inquiry as a catalyst for alleviating discomfort. Overall, pain and suffering highlight the struggles inherent in human existence across these traditions.
Synonyms: Anguish, Distress, Misery, Torment, Agony, Discomfort, Hardship, Affliction, Woe, Sorrow, Grief
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pain and suffering'
In Buddhism, pain and suffering stem from the five skandhas, mental confusion, and negative life experiences, highlighting the interplay between enduring challenges, unwholesome thoughts, and the repercussions of one’s actions.
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The negative experiences and challenges that individuals may face, often associated with the consequences of one's actions or the conditions of life.[1]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The unfortunate experiences faced by beings due to the five skandhas, which a patient bodhisattva acknowledges when considering their own endurance.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Difficult experiences emanating from the mind, often linked to confusion and unwholesome mental states.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Pain and suffering'
In Hinduism, pain and suffering symbolize negative mental afflictions and aspects of human existence. They drive spiritual inquiry, highlight mental turmoil, and reflect the consequences of negative actions, influencing both current life and afterlife experiences.
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Pain and suffering trigger inquiry and investigation within humans, driving the quest for understanding and methods to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.[4] (2) The results of bad actions, which can manifest in this life and influence the afterlife experience.[5]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The emotional and physical toll of the battles, central to understanding the struggles between the Devas and Danavas.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The negative aspects of human existence that are often explored in spiritual teachings.[7]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The consequences faced by a man who eats meat unlawfully, described metaphorically as being devoured by animals.[8]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) These terms describe the characteristic features of the mental sheath, highlighting its nature as something that causes distress.[9]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The negative ideas and afflictions that are typically associated with the thinking mind.[10]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The emotional or physical distress that arises from ignorance and the cycle of mundane existence.[11]
Jain concept of 'Pain and suffering'
In Jainism, pain and suffering encompass negative experiences from attachment to possessions, harmful speech, self-inflicted challenges, emotional trials faced by monks, and distress caused by infernal beings, all reflecting the consequences of one's actions.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The negative experiences that result from the actions taken to safeguard possessions driven by infatuation.[12] (2) Words that cause pain and suffering to living beings are categorized as not laudable and thus define falsehood (anrita).[13] (3) The distress and torment experienced as a result of the actions and animosities of the infernal beings.[14]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The experiences that afflict beings in the living world, often caused by their own actions or the actions of others.[15]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Physical and emotional challenges that a monk must endure while remaining focused on his spiritual goals.[16]