Is there a budhistic way to experience suppressed emotions?
Upvote:0
This is a very very important question. I have practiced mindfulness meditation for 50 years. I have been a novice monk for 30 years (only recently has it become possible to get full ordination in Canada and now I do not need it). First of all, a definition of emotion: An emotion addresses an issue or situation of overriding importance. It is unconsciously motivated. It causes the mind to address the issue or situation with energy and focus. It gives the highest priority or importance to dealing with the issue or situation. That is why it can be hard to hold back. But, if the emotion is very painful or sad, then you will suppress it as best you can, but it can still make you very unhappy. In Buddhist terminology, this state of unhappiness (or any emotion for that matter) is called "kamma-vipaka," which merely means that, in some previous decision making process (citta-vithi), you decided on the importance of the issue. Since being loving or being loved is such a profoundly important issue in life, you are understandably subject to relentless suffering if you have come to the conclusion that you are not lovable. Even though everyone is born in an Enlightened state and therefore very loving and lovable, subsequent experiences (such as those experienced in a dysfunctional or abusive family) can cause you to decide that you are unlovable. This is a profoundly tragic situation. The problem is that you often forget making that tragic decision so that you are stuck with the unhappiness it causes. Fortunately, the Satipatthana-Sutta provides a way to recall (re-experience) that original decision. First of all, it is advisable to practice mindfulness of breathing for awhile. Mindfulness of breathing consists of paying attention to the physical sensation of the breath at the nose. When a distraction arises (which is perfectly natural and is not a mistake), you return your attention to your breathing so that you do not get caught up by the distraction. The purpose of this meditation is to maintain a state of objectivity (so that your Bodhicitta gets a chance unconsciously correct misunderstandings). In a more advanced state of mindfulness you pay attention to "the body in the body," which happens to be the "felt sense" as described by Eugene Gendlin in his book called "Focusing." (I suggest you study this book.) By recalling the original decision, you have the opportunity to correct it in terms of subsequent experience. You have a liberating "Aw-ah" experience.
Upvote:1
By prolonged meditation, suppressed emotions & experiences will generally inevitably rise into to the surface of consciousness awareness.
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