Integrating Buddhist Phenomenology, Active Inference Theory, and Physical Reflexes: A Framework for Understanding Suffering and Cognition
By
eatitraw
6mo ago· 22 min readenInsight
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Summary
This article presents a theoretical framework that unifies Buddhist phenomenology (specifically the concept of 'tanha' or craving), active inference theory from neuroscience, and physical reflexes. It explores how the brain's default tendency to grasp pleasant sensations and push away unpleasant ones creates suffering and tension, and proposes this mechanism as central to medium-term memory, Bayesian updating, and sensory processing. The article aims to provide a practical theory of suffering and liberation with clinical applications, describing sensory type safety and celebrating biological life.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledA unification of Buddhist phenomenology, active inference, and physical reflexes; a practical theory of suffering, tension, and liberation
By default, the brain tries to grasp and hold onto pleasant sensations and push away unpleasant ones
The Buddha called these 'micro-motions' of greed and aversion tanha
the core mechanism for medium-term memory and Bayesian updating; a clinically useful dimension of variation and dysfunction
a description of sensory type safety; a celebration of biological life
A unification of Buddhist phenomenology, active inference, and physical reflexes; a practical theory of suffering, tension, and liberation; the core mechanism for medium-term memory and Bayesian updating; a clinically useful dimension of variation and dys
