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