Psychology of Suffering

The Truth of Suffering

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 (viyoga) of the knower and the known (jñā and jñeya) ¹, or the seer and the seen (draṣṭṛ and dṛśya).  The inequality (vaiṣamya) between them being the basis of separation.  Therefore, the search for happiness (sukha) is the journey (saṃsāra) toward equality (sāmya).  Thus, the seer and seen are gradually reunited.

The Arising of Suffering

The Afflictions

The arising of suffering (udaya of duḥkha) is 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 the wrong view (asamyagdṛṣṭi), which is unequal vision (viṣamadṛṣṭi) of the seen. ³  It’s the field (kṣetra) of the subsequent afflictions (uttara kleśas). ^{4 5}  Egotism is the false nature (asvarūpa) of the seen (dṛśya). ⁶  Attachment and aversion are the thrill (mada) of the seen. ⁷  Inertia is the binding (bandha) of the seen. 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

The cessation of suffering (nirodha of duḥkha) is the complete cessation (aśeṣa nirodha) of this triple ignorance (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 must be removed as quickly as possible.

The Path of Cessation

The Remedies

The path of cessation of suffering (nirodhamārga of duḥkha) is the repetition (abhyāsa) of discernment, non-attachment, and seeking liberation (viveka, vairāgya, and mumukṣutva). ¹⁴  They’re three of the four remedies (caturbheṣaja).  The first being wisdom (vidyā).  It’s the right view (samyagdṛṣṭi), which is equal vision (dṛśyasya) of the seen. ¹⁵  It’s the field (kṣetra) of the subsequent remedies (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 distinguishing (vicchedana) one’s true nature from egotism (svarūpa from 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 discernment, non-attachment, and seeking liberation.  These remedies (bheṣajas) cure the afflictions (kleśas) of egotism, attachment and aversion, and inertia (asmitā, rāgadveṣa, and abhiniveśa).  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 2.6.
18. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.5.
19. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2.4.