Dhamma Letter No. 67
Q: I have a question about vedana (feeling). Let me use the example of strong fear. When the mind organ comes into contact with a disturbing mind object, a cascade of reactions occurs, including bodily tension, sympathetic nervous activity, and even tightening in the digestive tract. Then thoughts start racing, which enhance the stressful response. It seems to me however that unpleasant vedana precedes this chain reaction. How then to find this unpleasant reaction to the mental object?
A: Vedana - Buddha mentioned mainly 3 kinds of Vedana (Feelings):
pleasant (lobha: greed/attachment)
unpleasant (dosa: aversion/anger)
neutral (can be moha: delusion/ ignorance)
Please see Dhamma letter No. 64, ~ No. 66 for more understanding.
Vedana is from physical and mental phenomena that are related to each other, correspond with each other, and occur simultaneously.
It can start from the body or the mind, but Vedana recognizes mostly through the mind mostly through the mind. A past memory triggered by feeling reacts automatically from the nervous system associated with memories.
To solve this problem fundamentally is by understanding the conditions/situation of anicca (everything is changing; nothing is fixed), dukkha (dissatisfaction; suffering), and anatta (there is no 'I'; it is a phenomenon).
"Observe it" and constantly remember to:
1. Accept the situation without resistance
2. Let it go because there's nothing that can be done right now
3. Relax the body and mind
Repeat this again and again with sitting meditation and walking meditation. It takes time to get over it.
We will discuss furthermore later when there are related subjects.
May you be free from any suffering!
May you understand all phenomenon in Dhamma for your peace!
with Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Euna Bonovich
If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com.
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The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !