Think, Pair, Share Buddha said our existence is full of suffering… But isn’t this a little pessimistic? Discuss in pairs.

dukkha/duhkha (suffering)

Learning Outcomes To be able to describe the nature of Dukkha. To be able to explain the three ‘categories’ of dukkha. To be able to analyse whether or not all of conditioned experience truly involves Dukkha.

What is Dukkha? Dukkha (Pali; Sanskrit duḥkha) is a term found in ancient Indian literature, Monier-Williams states it means anything that is "uneasy, uncomfortable, unpleasant, difficult, causing pain or sadness". ]It also refers to a concept in Indian religions about the nature of life that innately includes the "unpleasant", "suffering," "pain," "sorrow", "distress", "grief" or "misery.“ The term Dukkha does not have a one word English translation, and embodies diverse aspects of unpleasant human experiences. It is opposed to the word sukha, meaning "happiness," "comfort" or "ease.“ Mel Thompson translates it as ‘unsatisfactoriness’ whilst Damien Keown calls it ‘dis-ease’.

The nature of dukkha/duhkha Suffering comes in many forms. Three obvious kinds of suffering correspond to the first three sights the Buddha saw on his first journey outside his palace: old age, sickness and death. But according to the Buddha, the problem of suffering goes much deeper. Life is not ideal: it frequently fails to live up to our expectations. Human beings are subject to desires and cravings, but even when we are able to satisfy these desires, the satisfaction is only temporary. Pleasure does not last; or if it does, it becomes monotonous. Even when we are not suffering from outward causes like illness or bereavement, we are unfulfilled, unsatisfied. This is the truth of suffering. Some people who encounter this teaching may find it pessimistic. Buddhists find it neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but realistic. Fortunately the Buddha's teachings do not end with suffering; rather, they go on to tell us what we can do about it and how to end it.

Types of unavoidable suffering There are different types of unavoidable suffering: birth death ageing sickness separation from what is desired association with what is hated Suffering is a fact of life. There are four unavoidable physical sufferings; birth, old age, sickness and death. There are also two forms of mental suffering; separation from the people we love; contact with people we dislike and frustration of desires. Happiness is real and comes in many ways, but happiness does not last forever and does not stop suffering. Buddhists believe that the way to end suffering is to first accept the fact that suffering is actually a fact of life.

The three ‘categories’ of dukkha The first is linked to the first three sights the Buddha saw on his first journey outside his palace: old age, sickness and death. This is the suffering of painful experiences, including unsatisfied desires. The Buddha also taught that suffering goes much deeper than these three things. Suffering is also caused by constant change. People constantly lose the things and situations to which they become attached. Thirdly, even when people are not immediately suffering, they are unsatisfied because they are not enlightened. This is the truth of suffering. There are the three ‘categories’ of dukkha: ‘Ordinary’ suffering Suffering arising from change Inherent suffering of conditioned experience

The three ‘categories’ of dukkha Scan your QR code and use it to help you explain what each category of suffering is in your notes. ‘Ordinary’ suffering Suffering arising from change Inherent suffering of conditioned experience Stretch yourself: Non-Buddhist critics tend to argue that the three laksanas make Buddhist doctrine pessimistic. Buddhists would claim it is simply realistic. Which side would you most agree with? Give reasons.

Types of unavoidable suffering Read the article and pick out three key quotes to include in your notes: 1) 2) 3) Stretch yourself: What is the story of Kisa Gautami? How does it link to suffering?

Evaluation of dukkha Is all of conditioned experience really just dukkha? Complete the table in your notes: Yes No Stretch yourself: Refer to the other ‘Marks of Existence’ in your arguments… Top Philosopher task: Include synoptic links from the mind, body, soul topic.

Is anatta/anatman is an accurate description of conditioned experience? Number yourselves on your table. Move round your table and share a your reasons! If you are an even number give a reason why someone would agree the statement. If you are an odd number give a reason why someone would disagree with the statement.