Grief, or suffering, has been a central theme in many philosophical and spiritual traditions, each offering unique perspectives on its origins, nature, and transcendence. Traditions such as Yoga, Buddhism, and Samkhya explore grief through their frameworks, aiming to guide individuals toward liberation from suffering.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, grief is understood as a form of mental disturbance, categorized under kleshas (afflictions). The five kleshas—ignorance (avidya), egoism (asmita), attachment (raga), aversion (dvesha), and fear of death (abhinivesha)—are seen as the root causes of suffering. Grief arises when the mind becomes entangled in attachment or aversion, disrupting inner peace. Yoga philosophy emphasizes the practice of ashtanga yoga (the eightfold path) to transcend suffering. Through disciplines such as asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and dhyana (meditation), practitioners cultivate awareness and detachment, enabling them to face grief with equanimity. Ultimately, yoga views suffering as a transient state rooted in identification with the material world, which can be overcome by recognizing the true, eternal nature of the self (purusha).
In Buddhism, suffering (dukkha) is a fundamental concept encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha taught that suffering is an inherent part of existence, arising from desire (tanha) and attachment. This suffering is not limited to grief from loss or pain but extends to the dissatisfaction stemming from life's impermanence. The path to liberation from grief lies in the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right action, and right mindfulness. Through these practices, individuals develop insight into the impermanent and interdependent nature of existence. Meditation plays a central role in Buddhism, helping individuals observe their grief without clinging to it, ultimately leading to a state of inner peace and enlightenment (nirvana).
Samkhya, one of the oldest schools of Indian philosophy, identifies suffering as a result of misidentification between purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). In Samkhya, grief is a manifestation of prakriti, experienced when the mind, body, and senses react to external stimuli. The confusion between the eternal purusha and the mutable prakriti traps individuals in cycles of suffering (samsara). The resolution lies in acquiring jnana (knowledge) that distinguishes the self from material phenomena. When one realizes that grief is a temporary experience within the domain of prakriti, they transcend suffering and achieve liberation (kaivalya). Samkhya emphasizes understanding and disidentifying with the causes of suffering as the path to freedom.
Across these traditions, a common thread emerges: grief stems from attachment, ignorance, and identification with transient phenomena. Yoga, Buddhism, and Samkhya all emphasize the importance of detachment, self-awareness, and spiritual practice in overcoming grief. While Yoga provides practical methods for mental and physical discipline, Buddhism delves into mindfulness and the ethical aspects of existence. Samkhya offers a profound metaphysical framework to understand the duality of existence and transcend it.
December 23, 2025Posted by Dr Shivam Mishra
December 20, 2024Posted by Dr Shivam Mishra