Zen and the Art of Coronavirus Calm

Christian sites are brimming with Christian views on how to get through the virus period. Not surprisingly, there are also sites promoting other religions and philosophical views. I came across one that might help people, Zen Buddhism .

The Christian sites tell us over and over what everyone should do to get through this trying experience is to pray. This, of course, fits into our western culture better than other religious practices. If prayer helps you, by all means pray.

The Buddhist site tells us this is an excellent opportunity to grow in the spiritual aspect of Buddhism. Quietness is the perfect time for the chant. Chanting, apparently, takes both physical and mental practice. Perfecting it so the mind is more or less unaware of anything else around one is the goal.

Since I have never experienced anything I would call a profound religious experience I can only guess at what it is like. When an athlete he/she is "in the zone", performing perfectly and effortlessly, it is perhaps something like the perfect Buddhist chant or the Christian crying and rolling on the floor.

The link reminds readers that the Buddha put himself into a situation of uncertainty like the uncertainty we are experiencing. He left the comfort of his affluent parents and found a world so stressful he could almost not endure it. Through the practice of mindfulness and meditation he found peace and told others how he found it. I think I'm correct in saying the original Buddha writing contained no belief in a supernatural or invisible being.

Many religious people also practice Buddhism. When I was in Thailand I visited a Buddhist site with a former student who is Christian.  She knelt in respect.

I hope everyone finds a way to get through this period--maybe even enjoy it.

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