In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Pūrvaduḥkha (पूर्वदुःख) refers to “old suffering”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 31).—Accordingly, “[...] Recent suffering (navaduḥkha) is ‘happiness’ (sukha) [in contrast] to the old suffering (pūrvaduḥkha) which is ‘suffering’. Thus, when one sits down one feels happiness, but when this position persists, it gives rise to suffering. At the beginning, walking, standing and lying down are happiness, but in the end they too are suffering. Whether one is bending or one is stretching, whether one is bowing the head or raising it, whether one looks straight ahead or to the side, whether one is breathing out or breathing in, suffering always follows the body. From conception and birth to death, there is not a single moment of happiness”.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Duhkha, Purva.

Full-text: Purva, Sthana, Marana, Cankrama, Navaduhkha, Shayya, Nava.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Purvaduhkha, Pūrvaduḥkha, Pūrva-duḥkha, Purva-duhkha; (plurals include: Purvaduhkhas, Pūrvaduḥkhas, duḥkhas, duhkhas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

E.1: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness (smṛtyupasthāna) < [Abhidharma auxiliaries (E): Detailed study of the auxiliaries]

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