“As long as you don't let the pain affect your mind, you will be able to cope with it.”

The Teaching of Ajahn Suchart. 

25 September 2023

“As long as you don't let the pain affect your mind, you will be able to cope with it.”

Question:  “How do I overcome the aches and pains, despite acknowledging them and reciting 'Buddho', in order to reach a state of calm?”

Than Ajahn:  “You just have to persevere with and keep fighting against it. If you cannot beat it this time, then try again the next time. The most important thing is to stick to only reciting 'Buddho'. Don't do anything else.

If you have yet to gain concentration (samādhi), then just stick with 'Buddho' to fight against the pain and discomfort. Don't try to make sense of them or quell them with insights. You are not yet at the level where you can do so.

In the beginning, you only need to use the word 'Buddho' as your meditation subject. Don't pay any attention to the pain. Don't even wish for it to go away. 

Your suffering will only multiply if you wish for the pain to dissipate. It is not your physical discomfort that you cannot handle but rather your mental suffering—your craving for the pain to subside. So you must try to eliminate that—not allowing your longing for the pain to go away to occur—including any sense of aversion, fear, and craving.

Don't let your mind think about fear and pain. Don't long for the pain to disappear. Just stay with 'Buddho'. 

Leave alone the physical pain. As long as you don't let the pain affect your mind, you will be able to cope with it.”

“Essential Teachings”

By Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto
www.phrasuchart.com

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