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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

Particular Suffering

SN 37.3 · Āveṇikadukkhasutta

A white waterlily opening on a still pond in soft morning light.

“Mendicants, there are these five kinds of suffering that particularly apply to ladies. They’re undergone by ladies and not by men. What five?

Firstly, a lady, while still young, goes to live with her husband’s family and is separated from her relatives. This is the first kind of suffering that particularly applies to ladies.

Furthermore, a lady undergoes the menstrual cycle. This is the second kind of suffering that particularly applies to ladies.

Furthermore, a lady undergoes pregnancy. This is the third kind of suffering that particularly applies to ladies.

Furthermore, a lady gives birth. This is the fourth kind of suffering that particularly applies to ladies.

Furthermore, a lady provides services for a man. This is the fifth kind of suffering that particularly applies to ladies.

These are the five kinds of suffering that particularly apply to ladies. They’re undergone by ladies and not by men.”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.