The Three Types of Pain According to Sankya Philosophy
- Alex McRobs
- Jan 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2024
I study yoga philosophy every week on live Zoom calls with a teacher in India. This week I learned something from her that I want to share.
According to Sankyha philosophy (where yoga originates), there are three types of pains in the world. The pains are:
Adhyatmikra - Internal Pain. This is pain that comes from our own mind, from negative thinking, from narratives that dictate our choices, etc.
Adhibhautika - External Pain. This is pain that is caused by other living beings. For example, a fight with a friend, a mosquito biting you, or being hit by a car.
Adhidaivika - Supernatural Pain. These are the pains that we just can't figure out why they happen. Like hurricanes, like floods, like tsunamis. These are beyond our control.
Life is meant to be joyful, but unfortunately our likes, dislikes, and attachments turn it into a painful experience. When we accept that suffering is a fact of human life, and that we live with pain, the natural next step is to want to find a solution to our suffering. We will search the world for solutions to our suffering (and that's where we might start to lean towards addiction, or other destructive habits). Eventually we realize that all the solutions in the external world are short-term and inadequate, and the only long-term solution to our suffering is practicing, studying and living the spiritual path, and that's when we arrive at yoga.
One of the reasons we chant om three times and shanti three times at the end of the practice is to signify alleviating the suffering on all three of these plains. May there be peace in my inside world, peace in my outside world and peace in the universe. I used to always rush the end of my asana practices with just one "om" - but once I learned this from my teacher it felt important to chant all three "oms" and three "shantis", and that's what I started doing this week in my in person classes.
Want to learn more about yoga philosophy with me? I've postponed the start date of my Yoga Sutra Study course - we're now starting this Tuesday January 16th. If you were previously holding back on signing up, now is the time! I won't offer this course again until 2025. It's a tight knit group of students meeting once a week on Zoom from January - May 2024. It's a truly transformative container that can massively change your life. Join us and book your spot here!
See you on the inside!
Love,
Alex
It is fascinating to explore how ancient philosophies like Sankya categorize the different layers of human suffering and mental health. I remember during my advanced clinical training how the emotional weight of patient care often blurred into my own academic stress, leaving me completely drained. I actually decided to order nursing dissertation service support to handle my final research analysis so I could focus on my own mindfulness and stay present for those in my care. Just as philosophy helps us identify the source of our pain, finding professional academic help allowed me to address my stress at the root and finish my degree with a much clearer mind.
Looking at professional growth from a long-term perspective shows the value of consistent education. The term ciob academy is often linked to this type of continuous development. It provides resources that help individuals refine their expertise. This ongoing improvement supports career advancement. The College of Contract Management explores these approaches. This strengthens knowledge.
Completing a project management diploma can help individuals strengthen the skills needed for career growth across sectors such as construction, IT, and business. Many programmes include practical modules that explore real-world case studies, project planning, and performance monitoring. These learning approaches allow students to better understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in professional environments. In broader conversations about continuing education and flexible online study, institutions like the College of Contract Management are sometimes mentioned as part of the discussion.
Cost overruns often result from limited financial oversight. The presence of a cost engineer allows potential issues to be identified early. This proactive approach supports smoother project execution and improved outcomes. Clear cost evaluation benefits both contractors and clients. These responsibilities align with guidance from the College of Contract Management.