Reflections on the Coronavirus

​The central teaching of Buddhism is the uncertainty of life. If we have really contemplated this, then the current situation will not throw us off balance. We will be able to apply our mindfulness to the situation, doing our best to avoid trouble and to help others.

If our minds are not so well prepared, however, we will need to be careful not to think about the situation beyond what is needed or look at the news all the time. And we will need to balance the whole thing by actively looking for things to gladden the mind. Then we can take this serious situation seriously without getting depressed.

We need to see caution in a positive way or make something positive out of it. My mother was talking to a 95 year old friend yesterday who had been told she should stay at home.

She said,
"It's alright I don't need to go out I am quite happy."
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The Buddha teaches us to maintain a light touch on life: not holding on and being pulled around, nor just passively looking on.

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I offer this for your reflection

Ajahn Kalyāno
http://www.openthesky.co.uk
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