Duhkha
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Duhkha literally means ‘suffering’.
Definition[edit]
All the living beings try to escape from duhkha or sorrow and suffering. Analysis of the causes of duhkha and the means of getting relief from it find a prominent place in the philosophical systems. Duhkha has been defined in various ways by these systems. Some of reasons are cited below:
- Characterized by pain
- One of the qualities or states of mind that can be known by the reactions seen on the face
- Notion which brings hatred
- Etc.
Causes[edit]
Duhkha can originate from the various factors such as:
- Loss of freedom
- Mental tensions and diseases
- Sickness of the body
- Loss of honor
- Enemies
- Unhappy marriage
- Living in a bad place
- Serving a bad master
- Old-age
- Living in the houses of others depending upon them
- Jealousy
- Hatred
- Cruelty
- Doubting nature
- Etc.
Types[edit]
Duhkha has been classified in various ways by different systems. Here, the causes are given greater importance. Duhkha can be caused by:
- Diseases
- Six enemies such as lust and greed
- Tendencies carried over from previous lives
- Birth
- Death
Remedy[edit]
Though appropriate remedial measures are available for these duhkhas, mokṣa or liberation from transmigratory existence is the ultimate and the surest remedy from all the kinds of duhkhas.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore