Rumination on regret is a common mental affliction that can perpetuate cycles of suffering if left unaddressed. Using the example of a person experiencing rumination on regret, this article illustrates how the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination can help us understand the interdependent nature of suffering.

The cycle starts with ignorance, where the person lacks understanding of the true nature of reality, including the impermanent and interdependent nature of regret as a mental affliction. Due to ignorance, the person forms habitual patterns of thought and behavior that perpetuate their rumination on regret. Their consciousness is conditioned by these pre-existing patterns, making them more prone to experiencing ruminations on regret in response to certain triggers or situations. The persons physical and psychological makeup is such that they are particularly susceptible to experiencing regret.

The persons sense organs interact with the external world, bringing to mind past events that trigger feelings of regret. The person encounters stimuli from their environment that bring to mind memories of past mistakes or missed opportunities, and experiences unpleasant feelings associated with the sensation brought on by thoughts of past mistakes and missed opportunities. In response to these feelings, the person develops a craving to change the past or alleviate their feelings of regret in the present, leading to attachment to regretful thoughts and intensifying the cycle of rumination.

To break the cycle of rumination on regret, one can use various practices and techniques at different points in the cycle. For example, one can work on cultivating insight and understanding through meditation and study of Buddhist teachings. One could develop new patterns of thought and behavior through mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or other forms of psychotherapy. By practicing meditation and mindfulness, one can develop an awareness of their patterns of thought and behavior, allowing them to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns before they escalate into full-blown ruminations on regret. While there may not be much that can be changed about ones physical and psychological makeup, one can cultivate a sense of acceptance and self-compassion that can help reduce the intensity of feelings of regret.

One could redirect their attention away from stimuli that trigger feelings of regret, using senses like touch, sights, or sounds to ground oneself in the present moment and avoid getting caught up in past regrets. By noticing and accepting feelings of sadness or regret that arise and acknowledging that they are a natural part of the human experience, one can reduce the potential for craving. Through the cultivation of mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, one can reduce the intensity of attachment to regretful thoughts. By intentionally engaging in healthy patterns of thought and behavior and reframing negative experiences in a positive light, one can foster new karmic habits that lead to a reduction in rumination on regret.

Through practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and insight, one can develop an acceptance of impermanence and death, reducing the potential for suffering at the end of life. By recognizing the causes and conditions that lead to suffering and cultivating new habits of thought and behavior, one can reduce or alleviate the effects of mental afflictions in the present and future lives.