shoka

Shoka is a transliteration of the Sanskrit noun śoka, which denotes sorrow, grief, or mourning. In classical Indian literature and religious texts, śoka is used to describe the emotional state arising from loss and is sometimes discussed in relation to ethical or spiritual considerations about how to respond to suffering. The term is also found in many compound words and is a common element in Hindu and Buddhist discourse.

Outside of its meaning as a noun, Shoka appears in modern usage as a given name or surname in parts of South Asia. It is etymologically related to the name Ashoka, formed from a- (without) and śoka (sorrow), meaning "without sorrow" or "no sorrow." The spelling Shoka is one of several transliterations of these Sanskrit roots, and in different languages it can be encountered as variants of Ashoka or as independent forms.