The Buddha’s Teachings and
[Hans Selye’s Insights]
Hans Selye’s research established that stress, when chronic, can lead to disease, emphasizing its physiological effects as the body’s non-specific response to external pressures. Selye explained that stress results from the body’s attempt to adapt to demands, which can strain physical resources and lead to illness over time. His work underscores how stress is not just a mental or emotional experience, but also a biological process with real health consequences, affecting everything from the immune system to cardiovascular health.
Original mindfulness teachings, as outlined in the Buddha’s teachings, also recognize the root of stress, though it frames it in terms of cognitive dissonance. Stress arises when emotions and intellect are out of balance—when emotional reactions conflict with rational thought. In mindfulness, this imbalance is not only acknowledged but actively addressed through awareness and self-reflection. By observing and understanding the sources of emotional and intellectual discord, individuals can restore harmony between the two, reducing stress and promoting emotional balance.
