durgati

Durgati is a Sanskrit term that translates to "bad state," "misery," "suffering," or "unfortunate condition." It is often used in Indian religions, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, to describe a state of existence characterized by distress, pain, and unhappiness. The concept of durgati can refer to various forms of suffering, both physical and mental, and can occur in this life or in future rebirths.

In Buddhist philosophy, durgati is often contrasted with sugati, which means "good state" or "happy state." The cycle of rebirth, samsara, is seen as containing both realms of durgati and sugati. The lower realms, such as the hell realms (naraka), animal realms, and hungry ghost realms (preta loka), are considered states of durgati. These realms are characterized by intense suffering, unpleasant experiences, and a lack of spiritual progress. The causes of rebirth into durgati are typically considered to be negative karma, such as acts of violence, greed, hatred, and ignorance.

In Hinduism, durgati can refer to a state of spiritual degradation or a fall from grace. It can also describe the suffering experienced due to past negative actions or unfavorable circumstances. The concept emphasizes the importance of righteous living and spiritual practices to avoid such states and attain a more favorable existence. Similarly, Jainism recognizes realms of suffering, often associated with negative karmic accumulations, which lead to undesirable rebirths. The ultimate goal in these traditions is to transcend the cycle of samsara and attain liberation (moksha or nirvana), thereby escaping all forms of durgati.