Buddhism Can Help Us During the Pandemic

 

Buddhism is an old philosophy, not a religion according to some of its followers. To me, it is an accumulation of wisdom modified and adjusted to meet problems universal to humans. It is not necessary to know or follow, but it is interesting nevertheless. A claim was made recently by a writer who practices it that it can help all of us these days.

To begin with we need to acknowledge there are many ways to get through difficult times in life. Praying no doubt helps many. Other religions have their thing. Those who have no religion seem to be doing as well as anyone else. Buddhism is an old philosophy born, according to those who write about it, of the Buddha's own despair. The link mentions five sources of despair he has dealt with an a little about the Buddhist's way of dealing with them.

1.) Death.  Death is a reality but the ego cannot stand to think of the world without "me." It is only by setting that ego aside and thinking of the larger view of life, that life is the reason there is death, one can face it more realistically.

2.) Illness.  Illness is hard to endure. The link author had lots of it. He says that once illness finally passes the mind sees itself as strong enough to take on more difficulty. The ego, which does not want to accept the possibility of illness, is liberated.

3.) Dementia.  Our ego does not want to admit our minds are faulty. By admitting our minds are but bits and pieces of information and experience we can realize some of those can be lost and we are still going forward. This larger view is what helps us deal with it.

4.) Loss of livelihood. All creatures, man, animal and insects face the fear of no livelihood. Yet, season bring food for most animals and time brings a livelihood for most humans. Setting one's mind to the longer view helps some in to wait this period out. 

5. Miscellaneous panic attacks.  Remembering that panic is a trait of many humans but it is, usually,  not something that kills people is the advice here. (I have around me a couple of people who suffer panic attacks. I wish this technique worked for them. It has not helped much to date.)  

So, how are you dealing with this disruption? I deal with it by being glad for what things are still available. And, I tell myself we are about half way through it. If that turns of to be wrong I'll just have to think that for a little while longer.