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Pain Perception in Buddhism Perspective

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Abstract

Dhamma, which Lord Buddha has presented to people after his enlightenment, analyzes every phenomenon and objects into their ultimate elements. The explanation of sensory system is also found in a part of Dhamma named Abhidhammapitaka, the Book of the Higher Doctrine in Buddhism. To find out the relationship between explanation of pain in the present neuroscience and the explanation of pain in Abhidhamma, the study was carried out by the use of a comprehensive review. The comparisons were in terms of peripheral stimulation, signal transmission, modulation, perception, suffering, determination and decision making for the responding to pain. We found that details of the explanation on pain mechanism and perception in Abhidhamma could associate well with our present scientific knowledge. Furthermore, more refinement information about the process and its function in particular aspects of pain perception were provided in Abhidhammapitaka.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pain Relief Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama 6 Road, Ratchathevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Waraporn Waikakul

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

    Saranatra Waikakul

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  1. Waraporn Waikakul
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  2. Saranatra Waikakul
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Correspondence to Saranatra Waikakul.

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Waikakul, W., Waikakul, S. Pain Perception in Buddhism Perspective. J Relig Health 55, 1336–1344 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0080-z

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