RELIGION or POLITICS ?? Buddhism - Cause of illness....

Hello again, y'all, I hope you are looking and reading this series on Causes of Illness. Truthfully, you may learn something important in your life, and also get a clearer insight on the greatness of Nichiren's Bhddhism.   In any case, we continue: 


     The classification of diseases in modern medicine is, of course, far more systematic and thorough than what is presented in the Buddhist scriptures and treatises.   The Buddhist approach to medicine can be considered scientific, however, in that it takes into account cause-and-effect relationships.   And, while modern medicine tends to view the ailing part of the body in isolation from the rest, treating it alone as if repairing a malfunctioning machine part, Buddhist medicine views disease as a reflection of the total body system, or life itself, and seeks to cure it not only through medical treatment but also through adjustments in the person's life style and outlook.


ILLNESS OF THE BODY.......

     The first cause,  among the six causes of illness described above, aresicknesses resulting from disharmony among the four elements -- earth, water, fire and wind -- that make up the human body and that correspond to the physical states: solid, liquid, thermal and gaseous.

     Disharmony of the four elements refers both to disharmony within the body and to disharmony between the body and its natural environment  --  weather, for example.   Any disruption of this natural harmony can cause physical disease.

      Improper eating or drinking and poor posture ( also described as irregular meditation) -- the second and third causes of illness --
might be viewed as examples of an unbalanced way of life.   These would include such things as illnesses arising from poor diet and immoderate consumption of food or drink, or disturbances in the rhythm of our lives -- such as insufficient sleep and exercise -- which make us susceptible to getting sick.

     The fourth cause of illness T'ien-T'ai mentions is quite interesting.  "Attack of demons", refers to attqacks from outside the body from any of many external forces or influences that can cause physical suffering or even death.   For example, invasive pathogenic bacteria or viruses, or even the modern notion of stress, both now widely known to cause many illnesses would be considered demons.


OK, this takes care of the first of the illnesses, and the last one for the week.   Be back sunday or monday with the next blog when I will go with "Illnesses of the Mind".  I sincerely trust everyone will have a safe and happy weekend and my wish to have you come back and visit me here next week.   Thanks so much. I appreciate you.     Cheers       CJ