Illness as our teacher for contemplation and to uproot our attachments
As Wesak Day is approaching, I would like to include the profound quotes of Thai forest Master.
The quote in the beginning of the video consist part of the teachings of Ajahn Fuang Jotiko (1915- 1986).
This is taken from the book Awareness Itself which is available for free via the following link:
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/t...
Quote: It’s true that illness can be an obstacle to your meditation, but if you’re intelligent enough to take illness as your teacher, you’ll see that the body is a nest of illnesses, and that you shouldn’t cling to it as yours. You can then uproot the attachments that are concerned about the body — because nothing in it is yours at all. It’s simply a tool for you to use to make good karma and pay off your old bad karma debts as you are able.
Note: Forest ajaans really know what they are talking about. Monks like Ajaan Fuang who underwent ascetic practice often fall sick, got injured or experience life threatening dangers. For example, malaria was a common illness that afflicted forest monks who lived in the dense jungles. When they got malaria, they did not have access to medical care and the illness often become a tool of contemplation and strengthen their practice. As they were at mercy of the elements, they also fell sick and suffer bodily aches and pain. When they eventually became teachers, they would offer the insight they have gain to laypeople…. often with the advice to let the doctor treat their physical illness (since laypeople have access to good healthcare system) while they work on their own mind. The quote struck a chord in me as I lost my dad to stroke, and my mom had various forms of illnesses for more than 20 years.
Venerable Thanissaro Bhikkhu's Dhamma Talk (YouTube):
/ @dhammatalksorg
Note: There are many talks uploaded by Thanissaro Bhikkhu's disciples over the years of various topics. You may try to search specific topics by using keywords in YouTube such as "Thanissaro Bhikkhu....." for example "Thanissaro Bhikkhu guided meditation", etc.
Website (featuring talks, Dhamma teachings):
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