Preaching Goes Viral

Pamela Winfield: A meditation on Buddhism in the time of pandemic

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Mental Health

Analogies to Mythic Narratives

The second mark of existence, suffering, is symbolized by Buddha encountering a sick man. Given the current circumstances, the chosen medical analogy of suffering with physical illness is particularly fitting, if tragic. The staggering rate of infection, the speed and severity of acute respiratory distress, the images of gasping patients in overtaxed hospital wards, and the exponential death toll from COVID-19 illustrates the pain and suffering of existence unlike anything else. But Buddhism also recognizes the psychological side of illness as well. Suffering (dukkha) is the first of Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths, which focuses on the diagnosis, etiology, prognosis and cure of the physical and mental disease that the human condition invariably involves. Beyond the major dukkha of losing the ones you love, there is also the dukkha of having to be with those you dislike. Social distancing can actually help with the latter, but even within physically healthy households, prolonged sequestration, financial stressors, interpersonal family conflicts, work responsibilities, unemployment, child and eldercare duties, and generalized anxiety in the face of the unknown can all take their toll.

2022-11-23

Pamela Winfield

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