Why do we cry?

[SarathW]

I just wonder whether Buddha say anything about why we cry.
We cry when we are happy, sad, with fear, sometimes without apparent reason,sometimes we cry inside.
Is crying unwholesome?

[cooran]

I don't think it is a choice - it is a reaction that occurs spontaneously.

With metta,
Chris

[cooran]

This quote from the Buddha in paragraph 58 may be of interest

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/bud ... ples09.htm

With metta,
Chris

[Digity]

I don't think labelling crying unwholesome is skillful. It might lead to emotional repression for some.

[denise]

heard that crying changes body chemistry...for the better

[plwk]

I don't think it is a choice - it is a reaction that occurs spontaneously.

And from my experience, some quite contrived too, hence the ancient phrase 'crocodile tears'...

[Mkoll]

And from my experience, some quite contrived too, hence the ancient phrase 'crocodile tears'...

Indeed. Good actors can virtually cry on demand.

[paul]

Crying is the result of excessive emotion and in the practice devotion to that extent would be detrimental to the balance necessary. In the five spiritual faculties, faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration and wisdom, faith does have a devotional aspect which strengthens beliefs but only until they are confirmed by experience (wisdom).