Introduction to Tapatraya of the Vedic Teachings (The 3 Types of Pain or Suffering)
The suffering (duhkha / tapa) are inescapable aspects of life. Knowing their origin, causes, and classification gives you an understanding of how to lessen – if not completely eliminate – its effects.
In the Vedic scriptures, they are usually referred to as “the three miseries,” or “tapatraya,” and divided into three categories: ādhyātmika, ādhidaivika, and adhibhautika.
Tapatraya – 3 Types of Pain or Suffering According to Vedas
- ADHYATMIKA PAIN or SUFFERING literally translates as being related to the atma (or the body and the mind).
- ADHIBHAUTIKA PAIN or SUFFERING literally translates as being related to bhuta (or living being).
- ADHIDAIVIKA PAIN or SUFFERING literally translates as having to do with fate, karma, invisible powers (or nature).
Explanation of Adhyatmika, Adhidaivika, and Adhibhautika Types of Pain / Suffering
- The ADHYATMIKA DUHKHA or TAPA is PHYSICAL misery and PSYCHOLOGICAL anguish. This category includes diseases brought on by a violation of sanitary and health regulations as well as hereditary illnesses like leprosy and disabilities like blindness or lameness. This category also includes attachment and aversion, as well as the mental suffering brought on by fears.
- The ADHIDAIVIKA DUHKHA or TAPA is brought on by DAIVA, the power of time, fate, karma, unseen force, or Nature. These include natural trials brought on by hunger, thirst, and old age as well as diseases brought on by the varying seasons, pain brought on by natural disasters like floods and fire, dark magic, the wrath of angry gods or spirits, and elemental disasters like floods or fire.
- The ADHIBHAUTIKA DUHKHA or TAPA is suffering brought on by other BHUTAS or living beings, such as inimical people or wild animals.
Final Words How to Counteract the 3 Types of Pain / Suffering
Some of these, such as inherited illnesses or physical impairments, if cannot be cured must be put up with. By taking the necessary measures, one can thwart some threats, such as seasonal illnesses or the schemes of foes.
The best way to counteract the consequences of tapatraya is to elevate the mind to the level of the spirit, therefore overcoming the constraints imposed by the body-mind complex.
There are references to the accomplishment of eight attainments/skills (siddhis) in the Samkhyakarika and Tattvasamasa, by which “one becomes free from the pain of ignorance, one gains knowledge, and experiences bliss.”
Click here to read more about the 8 siddhis that lead to the lifting of the effects of suffering.
