It encompasses the clarity of the senses, a sense of lightness, detachment from material possessions, freedom from arrogance, as well as qualities such as love, contentment, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, simplicity, and mildness.[7] Collectively, these virtues represent different manifestations of happiness and joy. In Ayurveda, the ultimate goal of human activities is to attain happiness (Sukha), not just for oneself but for all living beings. This happiness is rooted in Dharma, which refers to performing one's duties in alignment with righteousness and proper conduct.[8]
3. Dukha (Sorroweness or misery)
Dukha attribute is contrary to Sukha as both are attributes of the soul.[9] Nobody likes it and desires it. In the Bhagavad Gita, Dukha is seen as a part of life due to the transient nature of the material world. Suffering is understood as the result of attachment to desires, and one can transcend Dukkha by following the path of righteousness (Dharma), devotion (Bhakti), selfless action (Karma Yoga), and knowledge (Jnana Yoga). In Buddhism, Dukha is one of the fundamental concepts. The Buddha's teachings are built around the Four Noble Truths, the first of which states that life is inherently marked by Dukha. Suffering arises from birth, aging, illness, and death, as well as from attachment, craving, and ignorance. According to Ayurveda, desires are the root cause of all miseries, and the elimination of desires leads to the eradication of all miseries.[10]
Sukha-Duḥkha and their Clinical Utility
Happiness and miseries are also known by the conjunction of soul, mind, senses, and objects[11] Research into the relationship between happiness and health is developing rapidly, exploring the possibility that impaired happiness is not only a consequence of ill health but also a potential contributor to disease risk. Happiness encompasses several constructs, including affective well-being (feelings of joy and pleasure), eudaimonic well-being (sense of meaning and purpose in life), and evaluative well-being (life satisfaction).[12]
Ayurvedic texts thoroughly explore the concepts of Sukha and Dukha Ayu, providing a clear understanding of their practical implications. Acharya Charak posits that individuals who are free from mental and physical disorders, blessed with youth, vigor, strength, vitality, a good reputation,
courage, expertise in both art and science, as well as the capacity to perceive sensory objects, wealth, and an array of luxurious items for pleasure, who achieve whatever they want and move as they like, lead a happy life and those lacking these attributes tend to lead an unhappy existence.[13] It accepts happiness as the basic and essential factor for health (Swasthya). Also in Ayurveda science, health is equated with happiness, while the disease is perceived as Duhkha. Acharya Suśruta defined diseases as a result of the combination of suffering and classified them into three types such as Adhyatmika, Adhibhautika, and Adhidaivika misery.[14] This description projects that Sukha and Dukha have been given a lot of attention in every aspect of health.
4. Iccha (Desire) attribute
Individuals consistently seek to attain pleasure while striving to eliminate pain. The longing for what is currently inaccessible to us is characterized as desire.[15] In the Bhagavad Gita, desire is depicted as a natural force of the mind that can either lead to spiritual growth or bind the individual to the material world. Lord Krishna explains that desire is a fundamental aspect of human nature but warns that when desires are uncontrolled, they lead to suffering and distraction from one’s Dharma (righteous path). The source of desire, which is considered a flaw, serves as an accomplice to Dharma. Desire and aversion generate both Dharma & Adharma through their inherent inclinations.[16]
Clinical Utility
The desire attribute is very important in day-to-day life as well as in medicine too. Research by Deci and Ryan (1985) on Self-Determination Theory emphasizes that intrinsic motivation, driven by personal desires for competence, autonomy, and relatedness, leads to better psychological health and well-being. This motivation is linked to increased life satisfaction, better coping mechanisms, and lower levels of stress on the other hand chronic activation of the stress response due to unmet desires contributes to long-term psychological and physical health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Sapolsky (2004) further emphasizes that prolonged stress, which often arises from unfulfilled desires, can lead to chronic diseases like hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal problems.
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