user17276: What I would like to know is how does an entity (stream of consciousness) experience suffering if it doesn’t have a physical body? Like say in the hell realm or any of the lower formless realms. Is there anything in Buddhist teachings that can explain this phenomena?
I am also aware that mental suffering can intensify physical suffering, but I don’t understand how mental suffering alone, without a physical body is experienced in the formless realms.

user295: In the formless realm, there is no physical body but the mental process continues. Hence on feels pain as the metal process is impermanent, not-self and comes in contact with mental objects.

17276: <p>What I would like to know is how does an entity (stream of consciousness) experience suffering if it doesn’t have a physical body? Like say in the hell realm or any of the lower formless realms. Is there anything in Buddhist teachings that can explain this phenomena?</p>

<p>I am also aware that mental suffering can intensify physical suffering, but I don’t understand how mental suffering alone, without a physical body is experienced in the formless realms.</p>
 295: <p>In the formless realm, there is no physical body but the mental process continues. Hence on feels pain as the metal process is impermanent, not-self and comes in contact with mental objects.</p>
