Psychology of Suffering

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The Truth of Suffering

[The Three Proofs]
Figure 10: Pillar Configuration

Solving the problem of suffering (duḥkha) is the highest pursuit of philosophy.  But to solve a problem, we must first define it.  Suffering is the separation of the knower and the known (viyoga of jña and jñeya) 1, or the seer and the seen (draṣṭṛ and dṛśya).  The inequality between them (vaiṣamya) being the basis of separation.  Therefore, the search for happiness (sukha) is the journey toward equality (saṃsāra toward sāmya).  Thus, the seer and seen are gradually reunited.

The Arising of Suffering

[Pillar of Suffering]
Figure 11: Pillar of Suffering

The Afflictions

The arising of suffering (udaya of duḥkha) is the arising of egotism, attachment and aversion, and inertia (asmitā, rāgadveṣa, and abhiniveśa). 2  They’re three of the four afflictions (catuṣkleśa).  The first being ignorance (avidyā).  It’s unequal vision of the seen (viṣamadṛṣṭi of dṛśya). 3  It’s the field of the subsequent afflictions (kṣetra of uttara kleśas). 4-5  Egotism is the name and form of ignorance (asvarūpa). 6  Attachment and aversion are the thrill of ignorance (mada). 7  Inertia is the bondange of ignorance (bandha). 8

A Quarrelsome Quartet

The Yoga Sūtras list attachment and aversion (rāga and dveśa) as separate afflictions (kleśas). 9  But Advaita Sāṃkhya considers them to be two sides of the same coin.  Hence, there are four afflictions.

Their Abodes

Each of these four has its own abode (āśaya). 10-11  Nature (prakṛti) is the abode of ignorance.  Mind (sattva) is the abode of egotism.  Emotion (rajas) is the abode of attachment and aversion.  And physics (tamas) is the abode of inertia.

The Cessation of Suffering

[Buddha]
Figure 12: The Buddha, Gautama Siddārtha

The cessation of suffering (nirodha of duḥkha) is the complete cessation of this triple ignorance (aśeṣa nirodha of avidyā traya). 12  As the Buddha said, if one is wounded by a poisoned arrow, one removes it without delay.  Idly questioning the nature of the arrow beforehand wastes precious time. 13  Likewise, the afflictions (kleśas) must be removed as quickly as possible.

The Path of Cessation

[Pillar of Happiness]
Figure 13: Pillar of Happiness

The Remedies

The path of cessation of suffering (nirodhamārga of duḥkha) is the repetition of triple wisdom (abhyāsa of vidyā traya), or seeking liberation, non-attachment, and discernment (mumukṣutva, vairāgya, and viveka). 14  They’re three of the four remedies (caturbheṣaja).  The first being wisdom (vidyā).  It’s equal vision of the seen (samadṛṣṭi of dṛśya). 15  It’s the field of the subsequent remedies (kṣetra of uttara bheṣajas). 16  Seeking liberation is overcoming inertia (jayana abhiniveśa). 17  Non-attachment is lack of desire for attachment and aversion (vaitṛṣṇa for rāgadveṣa). 18  Discernment is non-identification with egotism (asārūpya with asmitā). 19

Their Abodes

As before, each of these four has its own abode (āśaya). 10-11  Spirit (puruṣa) is the abode of wisdom.  Existence (sat) is the abode of seeking liberation.  Bliss (ānanda) is the abode of non-attachment.  And consciousness (cit) is the abode of discernment.

Walking the Path

A path (mārga) isn’t a belief system but rather a process of self-transformation.  In other words, it must be walked.  The term “abhyasa” means “repetition,” “repeated performance,” or “continued application.”  In this case, it’s the repetition of the seeking liberation, non-attachment, and discernment.  These remedies (bheṣajas) cure the afflictions (kleśas) of inertia, attachment and aversion, and egotism (abhiniveśa, rāgadveṣa, and asmitā).  This is the essence of spiritual practice (sādhana).

References

  1. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 1.1.
  2. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 1.2.
  3. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.5.
  4. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras 2.4.
  5. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.6.
  6. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.7.
  7. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.8.
  8. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.9.
  9. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras 2.3.
  10. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 4.5.
  11. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 4.18.
  12. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 1.3.
  13. Gautama Buddha. Cūlāmalukya Sutta MN63.
  14. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 1.4.
  15. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.2.
  16. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.3.
  17. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.4.
  18. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.5.
  19. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.6.