When looking at the Buddhist view on human nature, it can be said that a concept which is very essential to the doctrines outlook on human nature and meditation is known as “Vedana”. Translated as “sensation” or “feeling”, the concept of Verdana can also be found in the very prominent and recognized Buddhist lists known as the four foundations of mindfulness. This central Buddhist teaching on human nature can be described as any unpleasant or pleasant sensations that occur within our bodies by means of internal instruments in direct co-ordinance to our external measures and senses alongside our consciousness. It is our own individual understanding of how we are physically and/or emotionally/psychologically affected in any given experience.
What I find to be most interesting about the ancient Buddhist teaching is its accuracy and relevance in today’s day in age, as it simply states that without self-recognition of feel in one’s body, then one would not have knowledge of his location or existence. It is also prevalent that the earliest life forms on this planet have evolved successfully by means of experiencing pain and vital sensations. It was these major signals in which warned one of danger and promoted longer and safer forms of living. It is unfortunate that sometimes we must learn of our mistakes through either emotional or physical pain, yet however it has been a crucial constituent towards the natural process of life and of course the learning process of our environment as we know it. I believe that the Vedana theory is very valid by means of both religious and scientific realms.
Works Cited
Echterhoff, Markus. It’s Dhamma Time. E-Learning Platform, 4 Oct. 2015. Web. 2 Feb. 2016.
