Worship in Buddhism Is a Supportive Aid, Not the Primary Method
In life, we may encounter times of illness and suffering. Many people turn to worship in hopes of healing their ailments, but it is important to understand and practice correctly. Worship can be a supportive aid, but it is not the primary method for healing. Healing should be based on a clear understanding of Buddhist teachings, and more importantly, it must be combined with physical and mental health care.
Worship as a Supportive Aid, Not the Primary Method
When illness strikes, many people tend to go to temples for worship, asking monks to pray for their recovery. However, worship is merely a supportive aid, not the official method of healing. What is essential is that we must understand the teachings of Buddhism, take care of our health by eating well, resting properly, and, when ill, cooperate with doctors and take medicine—not simply relying on worship.
Pháp Hòa gave an example that taking care of the body is very important: eating a balanced diet, resting at the right time, and preventing illness. If illness occurs, we should go to the doctor and take medicine. But during the healing process, writing one’s name at a temple for blessings can serve as psychological support, bringing peace of mind and thus improving our health.
A Calm Mind Helps Support Healing
When we are sick, a calm mind is a crucial factor. Although medication and doctors’ care are important, if the mind is not at peace, anxiety and stress can exacerbate the illness. On the other hand, a peaceful mind will help the body recover more easily.
A simple practice is to chant the Buddha’s name, chant Avalokiteshvara, or chant Medicine Buddha’s mantra while taking medication. This helps reduce anxiety, lightens the mind, and can enhance the effectiveness of the medicine. The mind encompasses the body and can affect the illness by up to 70%. Therefore, keeping the mind calm and free from worry is very important.
Collaboration Between Mind and Body
When we are sick, we need to cooperate with doctors and follow scientific treatment methods. However, we must also acknowledge that illness is a part of life, and we are fortunate to live in a society where modern medicine and healthcare are well-developed. Therefore, we need to maintain a peaceful mind, balancing both mind and body to support effective healing.
Conclusion
Worship can be a supportive aid to bring peace of mind during illness. However, healing is primarily about taking care of the body properly and collaborating with modern medicine. A calm mind and an understanding of Buddhist teachings will help us remain strong, preventing the illness from weakening our spirit. We must learn to harmoniously combine caring for both body and soul in order to overcome illness with greater ease.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hòa
