Corona and How We Could face the Pandemic
~ By Sayalay Agganyani ~
Corona, the ‘crowned’ virus, isn't it a heavenly messenger with a bodhisattva crown? Doesn't it honestly and bluntly show us our impotence and all the suffering in Saṃsāra? Illness, death, fear and worry? Maybe some people are now thinking about the really important things. Maybe you remember spiritual practice – and even practice it. That is what a heavenly messenger wants to achieve.
I would like to encourage to practice the ‘divine abodes’ (brahmavihāras) in this difficult time:
Love (mettā), compassion (karuṇā) and understanding with the sick, the suffering, the mourning, the frightened, the insecure, the isolated, the bored, the reckless, the incredulous daredevils, critics and criticised, the doctors, paramedics, the nursing and nursing staff, all the people who continue to work to serve the community ... including the needy, abandoned, neglected, killed domestic and farm animals ... – There is so much suffering at this time.
But if we look closely, we also see or hear about happiness and success, e.g. of those who have survived Covid-19 and have recovered – and here we have the wonderful opportunity to practice joy (muditā), as well as with all the people who do selfless and fearless good in this situation, assume responsibility and help.
If Covid-19 breaks out in spite of all precautionary measures, let us try to face our situation with steadfast equanimity (upekkhā) and calmness.
Let us take a careful look at our sick, feverish body, cough and breathing difficulties, we also are aware and observe our state of mind and our emotions and accept them. If we become aware of our and of all the suffering in Saṃsāra, we let go of our ego and the delusion of wanting to control everything, to be healthy, powerful and happy at all times or even to have to. Let's try to be at peace with Corona.
Equanimity also means impartiality. Please, let's help each other, without likes, dislikes and dislikes. Everyone is worth it. We help and support each other, selflessly, supported by compassion and wisdom, in very practical matters (shopping help, errands, going for a walk with dogs of those affected and much more), but also with the offer of spiritual advice and consolation as well as the inclusion in our Dhamma practice. For example, we could breathe for them (symbolically, spiritually), develop inner peace and send them, chant (or pray, whoever likes) for them, share our merits with them, offer spiritual telephone or email support. Not ‘could’ – let's do it!
We need creativity, wisdom, courage, equanimity – and not indifference and ignorance. We need a sense of responsibility – not selfishness. If Corona teaches us, this virus was worth the crown.
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Translated from the German by Viriya
Photograph from the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives collection (Ref: Sep46-357)