The Buddhist perspective on illness. 🤔 A thread.
Illness is an inevitable part of life. In fact, one of the main reasons that Shakyamuni Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, sought enlightenment was to find a way to address this universal suffering.
“The problem with illness is not only physical symptoms, but the fact that it can even rob people of the hope to live, destroy their livelihood and sense of well-being, and put their future on hold.” - Daisaku Ikeda
In other words, there are two aspects to illness: the physical reality of illness and the fear, despair and anxiety that come out of our lives as a result of illness. For Buddhists, it’s important to win over this fear.
By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to defeat the sense of hopelessness in our lives, we develop the spirit never to be defeated and live our lives to the fullest, to the very end.
“Many people feel very vulnerable when they fall ill. ... Because we embrace the great teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo... We have no need for worry or fear. What counts is how we face illness, our attitude in dealing with it.” - Daisaku Ikeda
When we have this kind of determination, we find the wisdom to seek out the best treatment and medicine. Countless SGI members have overcome even the most difficult illnesses by bringing forth this fighting spirit.
“True health is to be found in having a positive attitude toward life and a strong self that refuses to be defeated by anything.” - Daisaku Ikeda
