Significance of Truth of Suffering
The Truth of Suffering, also known as Dukkha Sacca in Theravada Buddhism, is the first of the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing that suffering is an inherent aspect of life. It acknowledges the presence of discomfort, dissatisfaction, and pain within the cycle of samsara. Understanding this truth is essential for practitioners seeking liberation and enlightenment. The reality of suffering is central to Buddhist philosophy, urging individuals to recognize and confront it in order to progress on their spiritual paths.
Synonyms: Nature of suffering, Existence of suffering, Presence of suffering
In Dutch: De waarheid van het lijden; In Finnish: Totuus kärsimyksestä; In Spanish: La verdad del sufrimiento; In German: Wahrheit des Leidens
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Truth of Suffering'
The Truth of Suffering in Buddhism highlights suffering (duhkha) as an inherent aspect of existence. This acknowledgment is essential for understanding the path to liberation and overcoming the challenges of life, as articulated in the Four Noble Truths.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) One of the four noble truths preached by the Buddha, acknowledging the existence of suffering and its characteristics.[1] (2) Duhkha, the recognition that suffering is an inherent aspect of existence, and understanding this is crucial to the Path.[2] (3) The recognition of suffering as an inherent part of existence, with an emphasis on its connection to impermanence.[3] (4) The understanding of duhkhasatya, being a fundamental object of the emptiness gate of liberation (shunyatavimokshamukha).[4] (5) The recognition and acknowledgment of suffering as a fundamental truth in the human experience, which serves as a basis for understanding and overcoming it.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The acknowledgment of the inherent suffering and impermanence of the physical body that leads practitioners to seek liberation.[6] (2) Recognized as a fundamental aspect of human existence that must be contemplated to attain a good practitioner’s understanding.[7] (3) An understanding within Buddhist thought that suffering is an inherent part of existence, which leads to the desire to strive toward liberation.[8] (4) The first noble truth stating that suffering is an inherent part of existence that must be understood to progress on the spiritual path.[9] (5) A fundamental aspect that the Buddha has overcome, representing the understanding of discomfort and pain inherent in existence.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) One of the Four Noble Truths, asserting the reality of suffering as an inherent aspect of existence that must be acknowledged to seek liberation.[11]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Refers to the first noble truth identified by the Buddha, which acknowledges the existence of suffering in life.[12] (2) The fundamental realization of the nature of suffering developed through clear understanding of mind-body interactions.[13] (3) The understanding of suffering as it relates to birth and the cyclical nature of existence.[14] (4) The first noble truth that refers to the existence of suffering and its nature as a burden.[15] (5) A designation for the first Noble Truth that denotes the reality of suffering experienced by all beings.[16]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Fundamental Buddhist teaching that acknowledges the existence of suffering in life, tied to the physical frame and the five aggregates.[17] (2) Also known as Dukkha Sacca, it refers to the nature of suffering in life.[18] (3) The first noble truth in Buddhism, which acknowledges that life is characterized by suffering or dissatisfaction.[19]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The realization and understanding of suffering, referred to as dukkha, which is a central concept in Buddhism.[20] (2) The first noble truth stating that suffering exists and is an inherent part of life.[21] (3) One of the four noble truths, which states that suffering originates from craving.[22]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) An acknowledgment of the painful experiences one endures, which leads to a realization of the need for a path to liberation.[23]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The acknowledgment that all experiences within samsara are fundamentally characterized by suffering.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Truth of Suffering'
In Hinduism, the Truth of Suffering parallels Buddhism's first Noble Truth, highlighting life's inherent suffering as an unavoidable reality. This perspective encourages deeper understanding and acceptance of suffering as a profound aspect of human existence.
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) The first of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism, emphasizing the inevitability of suffering in life.[25]
The concept of Truth of Suffering in local and regional sources
The Truth of Suffering, a fundamental Buddhist concept, explores the nature of suffering and its universal presence, emphasizing the importance of understanding and overcoming it to achieve spiritual liberation.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This concept is mentioned, referring to a central theme in Buddhist teachings, which is the exploration of suffering and the path to liberation.[26]