Duḥkha (Sorrow)

Duhḥha plays a very important role almost in all Darśanas. Among the heterodox systems, the Cārvākas alone find it difficult to visualize it. Afraid of sorrow, Cārvāka tries to pictures the world full of happiness. While accepting the result of deeds, he knows that one cannot be happy always. Mostly happiness, though temporary, is connected with the prohibited deeds. So the Cārvākas cleverly convince others as well as themselves by saying that there is no soul to be compelled to enjoy the result of his deeds. This view, of Cārvāka though spread in the world, did not find a growth afterwards.

The second heterodox system of the Bauddhas gained much popularity and succeeded to a great extent. Bauddhas, unlike Cārvākas, do not turn their face against to sorrow. Bauddhas include Duhḥha among the four principles accepted by them.^[1] They find everything in the world afflicted by sorrow.

Jainas, though do not speak of sorrow separately, seem to realize its existence in the world. That is why they advice the virtue of nonviolence (ahimsa) to be followed by all. They advice not to hurt anybody though being hurt by them.

All the six orthodox systems mainly advise to attain Mokṣa (emancipation), merely because there is no happiness in the world, unaffected by sorrow. The Naiyāyikas define sorrow as suffering.^[2] Sufferings may be of several types. Man being struck by sorrow, suffers in the world. Sorrow, since closely connected with happiness, will never allows a man to be happy always. So a Wiseman, finding everything afflicted with sorrow, gives no place for desire in his mind. All the śāstras advise to be away from pleasure and thus set up a mind free of desire.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Sarvamkshanikamsarvamdukham Indian Philosophy, 47.

[2]:

Baadhanalaksanamdukkham 1/1/21, Nyāya Sūtra, 25