I like to ask the group here, have we led these two words?
Word Sati was initially translated in 18th century as emotions and then
it was changed to consciousness and awareness.
Now most widely used word is "mindfulness". Now it seems to me that
even this word does not do proper justice to word "sati". I think
word "Sati" means watch the mind to make sure that unwholesome thoughts
do not appear. In that sense it should be changed
to "mindwatchfulness".
And now for "Dukkha"...I think "suffering" really is a wrong word.
Lets ask ourselves...does dukkha exists in a person who just won a
multi million lottery. The answer is yes. But the man is not
suffering.
The root of "Dukkha" is impermanance..(anitta). and "avijja" or
ignorance. Dukkha is present all the time in us until we achieve
higher states. Now some translate "dukkha" as "stress". The latest
word I see is "discontent", which is close but not there yet.
Now let me add that many who have red Buddhist books for a long time
have some idea what these words means. But on the other hand novice
who wants to learn buddhism will find difficult to follow.