Meaning of Dukkha and its Cause
The world is filled up with people of different races, cultures, and religious practices. All these elements have been instituted to bring meaning to life and offer consolation and joy in times of pain and happiness. Several philosophical explanations to life have been advanced and the Buddhist occupies their position in offering explanations to life. The concept of Dukkha enshrined in the Buddhist explanation is one that inspires interest and offers an explanation to the sad, unsatisfied or unhappy component of life. The religion which is also a culture does not deny the existence of sadness but rather attempts to offer the explanation for its existence. Therefore, Dukkha can be understood in the world of Buddhism as the explanation of the sorrows, sadness, dissatisfaction and other elements that may cause unhappiness in the human experience. The antonym of Dukkha is “Sukha” which is an expression of happiness ( Hanh, 2015) . Dukkha is derived the terms “du” meaning bad and “Kham” inferring emptiness. Dukkha is ranked as the first among the four noble truths and the second in the fundamental characteristics of human existence ( Hanh, 2015) .
Cause of Dukkha
Therefore, Dukkha does not mean sadness or sorrow in the general sense but sorrow that is caused by the consequences of meaningless pursuits to “Sukha.” The unhappiness can also be caused by external factors like the work environment and may be masterminded like the case of a terrorist or sniper ( Hanh, 2015) .
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Examples of Dukkha Experience
Some of the experiences of Dukkha are manifested in sorrow, sadness, unhappiness, pain, illness, insecurity, anguish, and unpleasantness among others. Suffering can occur in the physical and psychological state ( Hanh, 2015) .
Overall, the Sukha and the Dukkha are inseparable since one would do something to be happy but it later turns out to cause him sorrow. For example, a person lacking material wealth may decide to steal and this will offer temporary comfort but later if he is arrested the event will bring sorrow to him. The thief might as well have decided to labor and earn a living instead he chose an easy path which is meaningless in the long run.
Reference
Hanh, T. N. (2015). The heart of the Buddha's teaching: Transforming suffering into peace, joy, and liberation . New York, NY: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale.
