I will try to explain the difference between the “mundane theories” (of science, philosophy, and religions) and the “ultimate theory (paramatta dhamma)” of the Buddha about the world using another approach in the next post.
- In the meantime, it is essential to understand that most of the “feelings” of sukha/somanassa or dukkha/domanassa are due to saññā: Vedanā and saññā are closely related. Even though saññā is usually translated as “recognition/perception,” it includes emotions that come with that “recognition/perception.” See “Saññā – What It Really Means.”
- For example, the sweet taste of honey (and the feeling of joy associated with it) is a saññā. The attractiveness of a person or a thing and the pleasant smell of a rose are also the same. Only bodily feelings (e.g., an injury) are strictly vedanā. This is emphasized in Abhidhamma, but not in the suttas.
- We attach to most things with saññā!
- Also, feel free to ask questions about the current post, “Loka – Each Person Perceives the “External World” Differently,” What I am trying to explain is not necessarily hard. Still, it is probably something most people have not even thought about.
