Basic Insight

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 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.   Explore more at Everest Art Studios: https://everestartstudios.com/collections/best-sellings