Chapter 59: Transcend the Sufferings of
Body and Mind
Written by: Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen
Lu
Translated by: Harmony
Edited by: Dance Smith
Proofread by: Jessie
Chapter 59: Transcend the Sufferings of Body and Mind
When the body is sick, my last resort for a cure would be to use
"dharma essence". "Dharma essence" can also
be applied when the mind is sick.
Of course, we understand that sickness is impermanent. The agony
of sickness is considered the number one misery in the world. People
are tortured by various illnesses and even suffer to the extent
of wishing to die. One can't help but shudder with fear at such
life-shattering torture.
There is also suffering of the mind. For example, when you are
swindled out of a lifetime's savings by your best friends; or people
whom you love hurt you with swords and knives or leave with your
most intimate friends; when wives betray their husbands; or the
people you often help turn around and want to kill you; when loved
children die.
Families are broken up! Loved ones suffer a change of heart! Friends
cheat you of all your money and belongings! Dearest relatives die!
Businesses go bankrupt and all hope is lost! Everyone misunderstands
you! And worst of all, people whom you have sincerely helped turn
around and break your heart when they try to "bite" you,
kill you.
In this world, if you come to a stage where you have nothing left
except your physical body, this kind of agony will make you cry
until there are no more tears. Such affliction will make your heart
turn cold and completely extinguish the fire of life. Suffering
like this tortures you slowly. It is no less grievous than the torture
of bodily sickness.
Nevertheless, we cultivators must understand: When you come up
against intense pain, it is the most critical moment in cultivation.
It is time for you to deal with the situation using "dharma
essence" and "wisdom."
Hopefully, you will realize the noble truth of suffering when
your body and mind are in the most pain. You must be able to endure
all kinds of pain, and be liberated from it. You must not be defeated
by it. We cultivators must transcend suffering.
The essence of dharma says sometimes the body is strong and sometimes
it is weak. People suffer births and deaths. See through the suffering
of bodily sickness! The essence of dharma further states that everything
in the world is impermanent. The human heart is always changing.
The samsaric world changes constantly. You must see through the
affairs of the world and transcend them.
Contemplate all of these, cultivators! Live for the moment!
