I’m fascinated with what Eckhart Tolle calls the “pain body” and Michael Singer calls “samskaras.” Basically: painful experiences from the past which have been repressed and therefore are trapped within us, and when triggered, take us over.
Practical things to know about it:
I can nip it in the bud before it takes over by immediately noticing any negative reaction within me and then maintaining consciousness. This is what I call: taking the hit. Example: When someone makes a comment that triggers “me” I can simply feel the discomfort or pain instead of trying fix it, attack back, or analyze.
When I experience someone else’s pain-body-samskaras, it’s much better to not engage. Of course, if I adhere to the advice above in #1 there’s no engagement. The pain-body-samskaras feed off conflict so better not to feed them. Also, it’s helpful to realize that at such times I am not dealing with the other person but rather their pain-body-samskaras.
Any time I get any satisfaction about someone else’s downfall, that’s due to the activation of the pain-body-samskaras, so best to meet that with consciousness, rather than wondering if I’m a “bad person.”
Consciousness (just feeling it) dissipates the pain-body-samskaras.
As much as it sometimes feels like they’re me, the pain-body-samskaras are not me. They are conditioning I’ve picked up along the way.
Anybody want to share how they’ve dealt with an onslaught of pain-body-samskaras?
Hey Robert.
Nice essay. I agree. It helps growth so much to peacefully look at your triggers or samskaras as you cal them. And then accept love that part of yourself instead.
I like this one you wrote-
"As much as it sometimes feels like they’re me, the pain-body-samskaras are not me. They are conditioning I’ve picked up along the way."
Yes and also good to remember that about other people too.
Since I know what my triggers are I can choose to protect myself by not answering question related to my pain-body samskaras. Sometimes,I need to remind myself that I'm better off avoiding people who bring up my pain-body samskaras. I do feel that it is so important
to deal with uncomfortable feelings concerning other people. It is important that I pray for everyone, but especially whose who stir up angry feelings.
It is important that we accept that I am not a bad person when I sence anger within me. Best to watch all feelings and detach from the feelings.