Definition
The unsatisfactory, unstable or painful nature of existence when seized with greed, aversion and ignorance.
Buddhism distinguishes manifest pain, suffering due to change and inconspicuousness inherent in conditioned phenomena. The first Noble Truth does not affirm that every moment is atrocious.
To be retained
- Translation with caution
- Recognize multiple levels
- Connecting the diagnosis to the path
- Maintaining care and justice
Origin of the term and context
Dukkha is a pāli term difficult to translate. "Suffering" gives part of it, but it also includes subtle dissatisfaction and instability of what is conditioned.
Why does it matter?
Dukkha belongs to a spiritual diagnosis linked to a path of liberation. Medical or psychic pain also requires appropriate explanations and care; it must not be reduced to attachment.
- Translation with caution
- Recognize multiple levels
- Connecting the diagnosis to the path
- Maintaining care and justice
How can it be explored or practised?
- Distinguish pain, reaction and context
- Observe what is required of a changing experience
- Answering the suffering of others with concrete help
- Study the Four Noble Truths Together
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Buddhism does not simply say "life is suffering".
- The victim is not responsible for everything because of his attachment.
- A disease requires medical advice.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Theravāda: dukkha analysis and octopus pathway.
- Mahāyāna: compassion and emptiness in the liberation of beings.
- Psychology: can compare some experiments, without reducing dukkha to a diagnosis.
To go further
- What Buddha has taught — Walpola Rahula
- In the Buddhas Words — Bhikkhu Bodhi