The dukkha is a quantitative unit proposed by Ralph G.H. Siu to measure suffering. The term is based on "dukkha", meaning "suffering" in Pali, the ancient language of the Buddha.

Siu developed a 9-step intensity scale to quantify the infliction of suffering. In step 1 suffering is "noticeable"; by step 9 suffering is so intense that "one would rather die". A rough description of the respective intensities is given in Table 1.

Table 1. Intensity scale of suffering

1- Noticeable 2- Bothersome 3- Moderate 4- Considerable, seeking relief 5- Interfering with daily life 6- Quite A lot 7- Miserable, visiting physician 8- Excruciating 9- Unbearable, wanting to die The quantity of suffering borne by a person is calculated by multiplying the intensity of suffering by the duration in days. Thus, one dukkha expresses the amount of suffering endured by one person at intensity level one for one day. It is roughly equivalent to that felt by one person with a moderate toothache for eight hours, i.e. (1 person) x (intensity 3) x (8 hours / 24 hours in a day).

A million dukkhas, or a megadukkha, represent the order of magnitude of suffering sustained for about 10 hours a day collectively by 1,000 persons with severe stomach ulcers without medication for a year, i.e., about (1,000 persons) x (intensity 6.5) x (10 hours / 24 hours in a day) x (365 days).

To summarize, the dukkha is calculated by multiplying the number of persons by the intensity level by the number of days: persons x intensity level (1-9) x days.

Source: "Less Suffering for Everybody," pp. 23-24

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