With the current pandemic situation, what should we do?

The Teachings of Ajahn Suchart.

7 January, 2023

Question:  With the current pandemic situation, what should we do?

Than Ajahn:  We should contemplate on the impermanent nature of life, that we all have to end our lives one day, regardless of whether there is pandemic or not. So, we have to be ready to face the end of life. If we are ready, then we will not be hurt when it happens or when we are still alive, we are not worried about it. 

So, keep reminding yourself that life is impermanent. The body is not your self. The body is just a servant. 

You’re just using the servant to satisfy your craving. That’s all. You don’t die with your body. ‘You’ go on either to nibbāna or continue on in the samsara. If you want to get to nibbāna, then you have to practice samatha and vipassanā bhāvanā.  

Dhamma in English, Jul 29, 2020.

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Question:  Is it true that vipassanā meditation can heal sickness?

Than Ajaan:  It depends on what the sickness is. If the sickness is mentally induced, when you use vipassanā, then the mind will let go of its attachment to a certain thing. Then, you become calm, peaceful and happy. The mentally induced sickness (such as depression) will disappear. 

People are depressed because they can’t get what they want. If they use vipassanā to teach themselves that they can’t always get what they want, their depression will disappear. So sometimes, you get what you want, but sometimes, you don’t get it. If you don’t get it, then you just accept it. Stop your desire for wanting to get it. If you can do this, then your depression will disappear.

Dhamma in English, Jul 31, 2020.

By Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto

www.phrasuchart.com

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