Significance of Feeling

Feeling is understood differently across various philosophical traditions. In Jainism, it is linked to pleasure or pain through Vedaniya karma. Tibetan Buddhism describes it as Vedana, highlighting its significance in consciousness. In Shaktism, Feeling is seen as a fundamental element of experience and identity, surpassing conscious thought. Theravada views Feeling as an immediate response to contact, encompassing pleasure, pain, and neutrality, while also considering it a key aspect of sensory experience and emotional response.1

Synonyms: Emotion, Sensation, Sentiment, Perception, Awareness, Consciousness, Impression, Response

In Finnish: Tunne; In Dutch: Gevoel

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Feeling'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Feeling (Vedana) encompasses immediate responses to sensory contact, manifesting as pleasure, pain, or neutrality. It influences emotions and cravings, forming a crucial part of conscious experience and the five khandhas, stemming from sensory stimuli.

Significance of Feelings in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) The mental experience that arises from phassa, leading to craving.^[1] (2) The immediate, raw experiences of pleasure and pain, also one of the five khandhas.^[2] (3) The sensory experiences that arise in response to stimuli, influencing a person's emotional state.^[3] (4) Feelings emerge from contact with six pleasant or unpleasant sense objects, leading to craving.^[4]

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) Feeling is the immediate response to contact, experienced as pleasure, pain, or neutrality.^[5]

From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma

(1) The faculty involved in experiencing sensations that arise from contact, which all creatures are fundamentally immersed in.^[6]

From: Patthana Dhamma

(1) Vedana, which perceives and registers emotional responses to sensory objects or experiences.^[7]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance of Feelings in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Also referred to as Vedana, it is acknowledged as a significant aspect of the conscious experience addressed in the text.^[8]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Feeling'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Feeling is viewed as a foundational aspect of experience and identity, surpassing conscious thought. It serves as the essential raw material that shapes individual perception and emotional understanding.

Significance of Feelings in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):

Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) Feeling is considered more fundamental than conscious thought and is deemed the primary raw material of experience and identity.^[9]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Jain concept of 'Feeling'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Feeling is interpreted as the fundamental experience of pleasure or pain, influenced by Vedaniya karma, demonstrating the significance of emotional states in shaping one's spiritual journey and experiences.

Significance of Feelings in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The basic experience of pleasure or pain through the Vedaniya karma.^[10]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Feelings.

Last Updated: 27 October, 2024