Can equanimity overcome physical pain?

Question

I saw this scientific article -- Learning to Accept Discomfort Could Help You Thrive -- on overcoming pain, discomfort and negative emotions. There is one part in the article which seems incredible:

painful exposed nerve in his tooth.....the dentist touched the tooth, my colleague felt bubbles of joy

While I understand the notion of using equanimity to overcome difficulties in life, I am rather curious about its ability to overcome physical pain.

Perhaps anyone who had practised equanimity in their meditation can share their experiences? Otherwise, any insights or theories on how this might work is equally appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

There is no solution to pain and disgust other than Nibbana. No matter how equanimous one is , pain seeps through in. Whether it is physical pain or mental pain , it doesn’t matter. Buddha suffered at the death bed. What is interesting is you can change the pain and disgust tolerance through meditation and application of Dhamma.

By realising form or it’s parts are not you , yours or yourself , feelings are not you , yours or yourself , perceptions are not you , yours or yourself, choices are not you , yours or yourself, consciousness is not you or yours or yourself , you are already mitigating the pain.

Suppose you don’t consider your money to be you , yours or yourself then will you regret it’s loss if it’s gone ? No. Why ? Because you are mentally prepared for that.

This largely reduces the mental trauma and pain gets diminished if you practice Anatta always. However little bit may still be felt otherwise everyone would have been recommending Anatta instead of painkillers. Painkillers are not the solution because painkillers stop working if one relies on it too often.Nibbana or the extinguishment is the only true solution to the pain and disgust.