Particular Suffering

“Mendicants, there are these five kinds of suffering that particularly apply to ladies. They’re undergone by ladies and not by men. ^[1]

What five?

Firstly, a lady, while still young, goes to live with her husband’s family and is separated from her relatives. ^[2]

This is the first kind of suffering that particularly applies to ladies.

Furthermore, a lady undergoes the menstrual cycle. ^[3]

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. ^[4]

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.”