The study of dukkha (suffering) with reference to the Pali Buddhist tradition
Date
2024-12-19
Authors
Vicitta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
This research aims to establish a connection between the greatest level of dukkha and taṇhā (craving). Therefore, the study strongly emphasizes that the utilization of dukkha serves as a solid foundation for the practice of vipassanā. This study provides information on the practice of vipassanā meditation for individuals seeking the ultimate truth and the cessation of suffering. Moreover, the objective of this study is to demonstrate how Buddhist teachings address the concept of suffering from a soteriological point of view. The early Buddhist concept of Dukkha within Pali Buddhist tradition is categorized under the Fourth Noble Truth (cattāri ariyasaccāni); at this point, it is said that “Birth is suffering, aging is suffering, illness is suffering, death is suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not getting what one wants is suffering; in a nutshell, the five aggregates that are subject to clinging are suffering.” Moreover, to practice meditation about dukkha, the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta proves three kinds of dukkha: an unpleasant feeling (dukkha), an unpleasant feeling of the flesh (sāmisa-dukkha), and an unpleasant feeling not of the flesh (nirāmisa-dukkha). Contrary to the above statement, which is posited in the Dhammacakkappa-vattana Sutta and the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta, the Visuddhimagga further illustrates three aspects of suffering: dukkha as ordinary suffering (dukkha-dukkha); dukkha as produced by change (vipariṇāma dukkha); and dukkha as conditioned states (saṅkhāradukkha). In this case, the question that needs to be answered is:“What kind of dukkha (suffering) needs to be generated to break out of the cycle of rebirth?” and to realize the path, fruit, and Nibbāna. To answer this question, the current study will adapt qualitative and descriptive analysis within the theoretical framework of Buddhist teaching.
Description
Keywords
Dukkha , Taṇhā , Vipassanā , Nibbāna
Citation
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Congress (PGIHS-RC) -2024, University of Peradeniya, P 73