IS IT MISLEADING TO THINK OF DUKKHA AS INCOMPLETE OR NEVER RESOLVED? Dhamma Q&A

Sutta Meditation Series

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

In this short session, we look at a question that has been asked on Dukkha:

“Could you please tell me if I am mis-leading myself if I think of dukkha, the second characteristic of conditioned existence, as “incomplete” or “never resolved” instead of “stressful” or “suffering”? I ask because dukkha implies there is something or someone experiencing stress or suffering, the way I see it. But since conditions are impersonal, how is dukkha to be understood in this context?”

In answering this question, we look at the translation of dukkha and how it is applied and whether it fits the phrasing and meaning in the Buddha's teachings on the the First Noble Truth of Suffering, understanding the corruptions in the mind, the three kinds of dukkha, and also some of the Buddha's teachings on the three characteristics.

This session highlights the importance of the right view when it comes to penetrating the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle and good in the end, with the correct meaning and phrasing.

Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:

• — Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta (SN 56.11)
• — Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta (DN 22)
• — Vipallāsa Sutta (AN 4.49)
• — Suttavebhaṅgiya (Pe 9)
• — Ādittapariyāya Sutta (SN 35.28)
• — Dukkha Sutta (SN 46.72)
• — Anatta Sutta (SN 46.73)
• — Dutiyasamugghātasappāya Sutta (SN 35.32)
• — Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (SN 22.59)
• — Sīlavanta Sutta (SN 22.122)

For the Dhamma session on "What things should be wisely contemplated?" - https://bit.ly/3cfn5hh

For the guided meditation "Is it worth taking as me and mine?" - https://bit.ly/3clkLVZ

Bohoma pin (much merit) to the person who asked this question.

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atan6Q_Bq6w

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai

To find the YT Sutta Meditation Series playlists visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuttaMeditationSeries/playlists, or click on 'Playlists' in the top menu bar.

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