The Two Arrows of Pain: Mechanisms of Pain Related to Meditation and Mental States of Aversion and Identification

Abstract Objectives According to the core Buddhist psychology models of “two arrows pain” and “co-dependent origination,” pain is resultant bodily mental factors, which can be regulated by meditation states traits. Here we investigated how related aversion identification (self-involvement) experiences are modulated focused attention (FAM), open monitoring (OMM), loving kindness (LKM), as well expertise. Methods Theravada long-term meditators were matched with a group short-term meditators. Nociceptive electrical stimulation was administered during FAM, OMM, LKM, in non-meditative rest condition. Experience reports pain, aversion, collected each trial. Results Pain thresholds higher than In meditators, compared rest, reduced FAM all conditions. only LKM. Identification three forms meditation, while not affected meditation. Further analyses particular focus on showed that predicted increase expertise, identification. Granger causality analysis revealed identification, causally influenced other; pain. This pattern results about relationships between largely overlapping Conclusions The findings reveal mechanisms interaction aversive states, their modulation They also suggest feeling coupling sensory thus highlighting relevance second arrow providing clarification epistemological gap causation state terms co-production mechanism multiple stages. particular, evidence causal influences highlights self-related factor mindfulness. study inspires new testable neuroscientific hypotheses, sheds light models, based from controlled experimental setting experience dimension enhanced mindfulness skills.