Concept of Suffering in Buddhism

About the Book

The present volume is the fourth and the final volume in the Indo-Tibetan Studies Series edited by Dr. N.K. Dash. It contains seventeen research papers by the noted scholars which investigate and probe into the profound concept of suffering in Buddhism. As per subject suffering touches deeply the whole mankind, the eminent scholars view the concept from various angles as it was understood, expounded and practiced by the Buddha himself, his early and later disciples and various commentators.

Dr. Narendra Kumar Dash (1960-2005) was the Head of the Department of Indo-Tibetan Studies at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. Dr. Dash was a reputed scholar in Sanskrit as well as in Buddhism and Tibetan. He is credited with four books and thirteen research papers. He was associated with various research organizations in India and abroad.

However, the sudden demise of Dr. Dash who had finalized and completed all the editorial work has prevented him from seeing the published book.

Preface

It is with great pleasure that I introduce this book Concept of Suffering in Buddhism, the fourth volume in the Indo-Tibetan Studies Series. Indo-Tibetan Studies have long been common feature of Buddhist Studies at Vishva-Bharati, Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. The first Visiting Professor of this University, Professor Sylvan Levis took great personal interest in the growth and promotion of research work in Buddhism especially on comparative aspects. Aspiring young scholars were strongly encouraged to acquaint themselves with the Sanskrit and Pali originals of Buddhist literature as well as to read Tibetan and Chinese translations. Even since prof. Levi, a number of noted, eminent scholars, both Indian and foreign contributed considerably to the steady growth of Indo-Tibetan/Buddhist studies.

In the fast developing, economically and technically progressing and progressive world of ours the concept of suffering seems to be out of place. More does not want to think of soxnow and suffering, let alone under go them! Man always longs for peace and happiness. However, a close look at modern man's insecure and ense, unhappy and fearul life beset with a sea of troubles and problems calls for instant thoughtful action. Here's where the Buddha can enlighten man and lead him to the root causes of man's ension and unhappiness, fear and insecurity. For all problems of this would known and unknown, are directly related to suffering, Dukha.

I do hope that the seventeen research papers by the reputed schalars will be of use to the academicians, scholars and the students.