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Scientists have also discovered "that our brains, which are responsible for making us feel the complicated sensation we call pain, contain endorphins, natural analgesics that are, milligram for milligram, several times more potent than morphine."(7) These natural pain-relivingsubstances, endorphins, are particularly concentrated in the limbic system which is located in that part of the brain which is closely linked with strong emotions.
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The chemical system of our body is controlled by the brain. The endorcrine system consisting of about a dozen glands in our body, reacts to mental stress. When a man is under tension, adrenalin from his adrenal glands gets into his blood stream and his heart starts to beat faster. Some hormones from his pituitary gland at the base of the brain, raise his blood pressure. These effects can give him a heart attack or stroke. Even the immune system of our body which protects us from infection, is influenced by our feelings and emotions. People in stressful situations are more likely to develop such problems as sore throat, influenza, etc. Just as negative emotions like grief and anger produce adverse effects on our body the positive emotions help in preventing and curing illness.(7) Thus the secret of good health, longevity and happiness lies in a life of non-violence, being at peace with oneself and with our environment. The above discussion indicates the effect of our thoughts and emotions on the life processes which involve material particles (the various chemicals in the body). The Jaina theory of karma also involves the effect of our thought-activity and passions on material karma particles. It should, however, be remarked that karma particles are different from the chemical substances in the body.
Effect of Environment on Our Feelings and Emotions
The fruition of karma is the process involving the effect of material particles on the living beings. Again, it is beyond the realm of modern science to study such effects. However, there are many instances in which our environment, which is our pseudo-karma according to the Jaina principles, influences our thought-activities. Psychologists believe that our frame of reference and self-image are established early in life. These serve as guides in our later life. (This is like our past karma affecting our present.) Researchers have found that windowless classrooms and artificial lights are not conducive to learning. Sunlight has been found to affect our mood and consequently the biological processes in our body.(8) The sight of a beautiful piece of art, the meeting with our relatives and friends, watching a horror movie, etc., give rise to different kinds of thoughts and feelings. However, a person can develop
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