The Twenty Secondary Afflictions
In Buddhist psychology, the Twenty Secondary Afflictions (upakleśa) are subtle emotional disturbances that accompany the six root afflictions — greed, anger, ignorance, pride, doubt, and wrong views. They quietly distort our awareness and keep the mind from resting in clarity.
1. Related to Anger
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Resentment (krodha) – Anger toward offense.
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Grudge (upanāha) – Holding resentment.
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Vexation (pradāśa) – Hurting others in anger.
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Concealment (mrakṣa) – Hiding one’s faults.
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Deceit (māyā) – Lying for gain.
2. Related to Ignorance
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Shamelessness (āhrīkya) – No shame for one’s evil.
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Lack of moral dread (anapatrāpya) – No guilt toward others.
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Restlessness (auddhatya) – Scattered mind.
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Laziness or dullness (styāna) – Mental heaviness.
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Lack of faith (āśraddhya) – Doubt in truth.
3. Related to Greed
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Laziness (kausīdya) – Avoiding virtue.
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Indulgence (pramāda) – Acting without restraint.
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Meanness (hrīmatā) – Small-mindedness.
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Forgetfulness (muṣitasmṛti) – Loss of mindfulness.
4. Related to Pride
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Arrogance (mada) – Pride in status.
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Self-praise & disparaging others (ātma-samstuti-paranindā).
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Stubbornness (matsarya) – Inflexible self-view.
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Flattery (śāṭhya) – Pretending virtue for favor.
5. Related to Doubt
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Sloth (middha) – Drowsiness, low energy.
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Distraction (vikṣepa) – Wandering mind.
To recognize these subtle afflictions is already a step toward liberation.
Awareness itself is purification.
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