(Photo by Selina Low)
Someone asked Master Cheng Yen, "At times of illness, one needs to accept pain with a positive mindset. But when the pain is unbearable, how can one still remain optimistic and accept the pain with a positive mindset?"
The Master answered:
It is hard to accept, but what can you do even if you refuse to accept it? Our physical body has already suffered enough from the pain, wouldn’t the additional tension, anxiety and sorrow lead to more suffering? Some people are not seriously ill, but their refusal to accept reality and the additional negative emotions aggravate their situation further.
For example, a patient who can walk and talk keeps thinking he is very sick and always dwell in a gloomy mood. He only sees the bad in people and throws tantrums at whomever he meets. Everybody is scared of him and dares not go near him. As such, he gets more and more moody. This patient is adding more problems to the existing situation, which creates a lot of tension in him and does not make him feel any better.
On the other hand, some patients are always smiling and in a cheerful mood. Their joyful attitude enriches those around them. Naturally, they make more friends. People with many friends are happier as they get many visits from others that bring cheer to all. With such good vibes, such patients are relieved from their pain and recover faster.
Translated by Michelle Lim Cheng Wai
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