Dharmapunx NYC Gut Reactions—Like Disgust—What They Teach Us
Jun 18, 2025
Dive into the complex world of disgust and its surprising impact on moral choices and social dynamics. Discover how this often-overlooked emotion can both unite and divide communities. Learn about the Buddhist concept of 'Samwega' and how it can be harnessed to confront bad habits. The discussion includes a guided meditation to boost self-awareness and help listeners tackle impulsivity. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how our gut reactions shape our lives.
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Disgust Is a Complex Feeling
- Disgust is a sophisticated feeling arising from the insula deep in the brain, not just a basic reaction to unpleasant stimuli.
- It integrates bodily states into emotions guiding behavior and social and moral judgments.
Disgust as Moral Regulator
- Disgust extends beyond hygiene to moral and social functions, regulating community values and cohesion.
- It acts as an emotional immune system defending cultural norms and political beliefs.
Disgust Is Culturally Conditioned
- Disgust responses can be inaccurate, producing false alarms like avoiding harmless illnesses or unfamiliar cultural foods.
- Cultural norms shape what behaviors are considered disgusting without inherent superiority of one practice over another.