Today there has been a storm due to Corona crisis in the whole world.
Corona Epidemic Crisis :
The whole world is gripped by the crisis of Corona. Due to which an atmosphere of fear has been created in the whole world. Man is struggling to preserve his existence. Everyone is alert and following the preventive measures prescribed by the World Health Organization. In this situation, all people have become tense, fearful and powerless.
Buddha’s Philosophy Helpful in Corona Crisis :
Buddha’s philosophy can prove to be useful to control this stressful situation. Any person in the world can control this terrible situation by following Buddha philosophy. Disease, sickness, natural misery such as floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, it is all inseparable part of life.
There is sorrow in the world and it is also way to remove sorrow. How to liberate man from sorrow is the basis of Buddha’s philosophy and teachings.
Buddha’s Thoughts About Healing in Vinaya Pitaka :
Buddha has given teachings for the entire welfare of human beings in his life. Healthy life is very important in human life. The teachings given by Buddha for health appear in Pali literature.
The rules that take care of the health of the Bhikkhu-Bhikkhuni Sangha are compiled in Vinaya Pitaka. On various diseases in Bhesajjakhandhaka(Medicaments) of Vinaya Pitaka ,Natural Remedies are described.
Dietary information has been given in Pācittiyakaṇḍaṃ (Bhojanvaggo) of Vinaya Pitaka.
Buddha’s Thoughts About Healing in Dhammapada :
Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka also have information on many places in terms of health, daily hygiene, clinical information, medicine, etc.
Dhammapada also contains verses related to health.
Stated in Sukhavagga of Dhammapada-
Ārogyaparamā lābhā,
Santutthiparaṃ dhanaṃ.
(Health is the greatest gain, contentment the greatest wealth.)
In Buddhist literature, the guidance regarding disease and sickness is extremely scientific. Buddha has rejected any type of miracle, superstition in the context of disease and cure. Buddha has called health wealth the highest benefit.
Buddha’s Loving kindness for Good Health of Humans :
All human beings should be free from all kinds of diseases, everyone should get health benefits, everyone gets happiness and peace, such blessings have been given in many verses.
Stated in Āṭānāṭiya Sutta –
Sabbarogā vinīmutto,
Sabbasantāpa vajjito;
Sabbaveram-atikkhanto,
Nubbuto ca tuvaṃ bhava.
(May you be free from all sickness, may you be free from worry and anxiety, may you overcome all enemies and you may be peaceful.)
Buddha’s Health Analysis :
Human beings have to be aware about health, Buddha has often given such a message. At now, it is important to take care of the body as well as the mind on the background of corona infection. Because today everyone appears fearful and stressed. Buddha is the first scientist in the world to have a scientific view of man’s body and mind. Buddha’s approach to life is quite practical and tantamount, it seems. Modern-day doctors treat the patient’s disease and cure the patient. Buddha has emphasized on strengthening the physical and mental health of the sick person along with treatment.
Buddha has given scientific reason to diseases caused to humans. If a sick person is constantly growing negative feelings, then he gets sick again and again, remains unhappy, such Buddha says.
Buddha’s Concept of Healing:
According to Buddha, violation or imbalance of the law of nature is the main reason for
the emergence of any disease. Buddha’s concept of a healthy life is not limited to being free only from physical diseases. The Buddha’s concept of health includes both physical health and mental health. A person free from physical and mental illness, in a worthy manner can do welfare of all beings. Also, he can prove to be helpful in the creation of an ideal society.
Ariya Atthangika Magga And Health:
These four types of health Buddha have said- physical, mental, intellectual and social health. These four health types can be controlled by Ariya Atthangika Magga(The Noble Eight Path). The mind has to be trained to generates efficient thoughts by destroying inefficient thoughts. According to that, if the mind is trained negative thoughts will be destroyed and positive tendencies will be created. Sammāḍiṭṭhi(Right View) will arise.
The mind needs effort. Increasing efficient thoughts by destroying inefficient thoughts of the mind is called Sammāvāyāmo(Right Effort).
The mind develops due to increasing positive thoughts. It is necessary for that to always be aware. A person who is always aware develops the mind. This is called Sammāsati(Right Awarness.)
To fight a disease like corona, a strong mind, a pure mind is needed. Meditation is important for that. Concentration of mind is called SammāsamādhiI(Right Concentration). By continuously practicing concentration, peace of mind can be maintained and positive feelings can be increased.
Contribution of Buddhist Sangha in Corona Crisis Period:
In order to follow the social distancing measures, Buddhist Meditation Centres and Viharas have been closed in the countries affected by the corona virus of the world. Buddhist teachers are reaching their teachings from far away. The Bhikkhus of Asia are reciting the Suttas. Also, in Mahabodhi Vihara, Bhikkhus are reciting the Suttas. Bhikkhu of Sri Lanka is broadcasting the message of peace through television and radio.
Buddha’s Path to Victory Over the Corona Crisis :
Crisis on the world keeps on coming. In such a crisis, the Buddha’s teachings will help in solving the social problem. Everything is going to be destroyed. Because theyare constantly changing. All is Anicca(Impermanence), remember this. Practice Meditation for the development of mind. Paññā (Wisdom), Sīla (Virtue) and Karuna (compassion), it is the pillar of Buddhist philosophy. Jigacchā paramā rogā(Hunger is the greatest ill). Today people are also fighting Hunger Disease along with corona epidemic. We should develop compassion and help others. Certainly, even in this corona crisis time, we can be helpful in the creation of an ideal society.
In this way, following the philosophy of Buddha helps to overcome the corona epidemic. Which can help to overcome despair, fear, stress and live a simple life.