Emotion
We tend to simplify the Notion, such as the Emotion, like thinking it as if it is only the feelings, Sadness,
Joy, Anger etc—– just see as an indicator of the mind, thus totally missing the point of its function behind.
The part of the brain which is dealing with Emotion is known as Limbic System, which situated under
side of the Cerebrum, and just above the Thalamus where body functions were kept controlled.
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Structurally, this part of the brain is the older or original part in the evolutionary scale ( sometime its called
Old Cortex ) therefore common with other simpler animal.
(less number of Neural layers indicates this too ——primitive hence it is fundamental to the Life)
So, what is this Limbic System is doing as the main function.
Its function is to Assess the incoming signal (Information / Data ) according to the Self-interests.
Self interest is largely, the instinct of survival and own comfort. —— its mean, Ego.
( Though, highly developed human’s case, this ” Own comfort” include the feeling of Achievement ——
of which target may not necessary immediately link to his or her own gain, and it can be very spiritual )
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And the action which was triggered by a stimulus such as a visual signal of the danger,
the evading action has to be continued for a certain length of the time, (just out of vision wouldn’t be enough)
it has to be kept by the chemical effects.———- (So, Adrenalin is high, tension is kept high )
Since the Limbic System is directly linked to Tharamus, effects are mostly Physiological,and the
secondary Psychological effects must be a later development, or even a cultural development and
the result of the Conditioning. (When to laugh or get angry etc are depend on the Culture, so that
small children don’t have same Emotion. They need to lean the manner, how to react and should feel !!!).
Programing of ” How One has to Feel”— is the basis of the development of HUMAN like human.
This is what we call ” ETHOS” —– since, it is in Emotion / Uncontrollable—– hence Imperative.
( Carl Jung called this ” Collective Unconsciousness” though it is only the end result. He didn’t know why )
( Most of the people know only their own culture and own emotion—– so, not aware of this)
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To see a news “A boy was rescued after 8 days” may trigger an Emotion ” How lucky this Boy is” and
feel a joy, or dreaded with a thought ” What a poor boy to spend 8 days next to the Death” —– is
depend on each personality, still this news gave significant impression to both person —– as it
triggered their Emotion, but if it didn’t trigger the Emotion, this news couldn’t
even be noticed / insignificant Data to the person.
Even an exciting signal source such as a sexy object (person) may become boring subject after a while.
( Hence, ” Seven Years Itch” —— 🙂 )
———- Emotional perception is very subjective, hence changeable. So the importance of the Data as well.
Selfless (so-called) is to handle the signal while being Apathic to the Emotional Bias, which
bore out of the Ego or deluded idea.
And giving no significant weight to any signal, and treat all the incoming signal impartial is
The Open Mind. ( Sociologist’s Value Free )
Emotion is the part of Self-conscious feeling, noticeable side-effects of the Limbic activity.
Before the Large Brain / Cerebrum evolved and took over the Decision making process, this part of the
Brain handled the thinking function / assess the Data and decision making. —– Important fact is, its still
doing this subconsciously —– Hence it makes Double Layer System .
( Emotional feeling may started like an Allergic Symptom to alert the individual.)
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In metaphor, the incoming signals were assessed and directed to each door. (One is a Trash bin)
And this signal leaving each foot print.—– Some of them might make very muddy big foot print,
even splashing sticky muddy water all around. ( Emotionally drenched. It’s a mess. 😦 )
Buddhism is making this signal to tread quietly, leaving minimum foot print and the noise.
When the foot step become silent, the Buddhist can hear the minute sound behind.
And some experienced Buddhists can even re-direct the signal and prevent it goes into the
door of House of Horror. —— (Shame, screaming Horror House may be quite exciting and fun 😀 )
Interesting post! I’ve never thought about emotion related to Buddhism. This could be an interesting source of information for my research into emotion and architecture. Thank you for sharing.
Grad to hear, you found some insight here.
Buddhism didn’t create emotions but the troubles of the emotion
triggered the creation of the Buddhism. —– and they seemed to
found the way to curve the trouble.
Though my approach to the Buddhism is by no means traditional, but
came from my actual test and observation of the psyche. ( since it is
the best guinea-pig and possible to observe in the most intimate way )
—– so, you may find a sample here.