Zen philosophy.

 

In Zen philosophy, illness is viewed not as an external evil or punishment, but as a natural part of human existence (along with aging, birth, and death), from which it is impossible to completely shield oneself. The main emphasis is placed on changing one’s attitude toward suffering and accepting reality “as it is.”

Key aspects of the Zen attitude toward illness:

Acceptance of inevitability. Illness is one of the manifestations of life’s impermanence (anicca). Zen teaches that physical pain is inevitable, but psychological suffering (resistance to pain, self-pity, fear) is a choice that one can free oneself from through mindfulness.

Illness as a teacher. The state of being unwell can become an object of meditation. It encourages the practitioner to recognize the fragility of the body and helps loosen attachment to the ego (“I am my body”).

Unity of body and mind. In Zen, the physical condition is considered to be directly connected to one’s state of mind. Caring for the body and maintaining proper posture are important for mental clarity, while a calm mind, in turn, supports the immune system and recovery.

Practical benefits of the Zen approach:

Stress reduction. Mindfulness practices help lower cortisol levels, which positively affects recovery.

Managing chronic pain. Zazen techniques allow one to observe pain as a set of sensations without becoming emotionally involved, which makes symptoms easier to bear.

Strengthening immunity. Regular meditation contributes to better sleep and overall resilience of the body.

Important: Zen philosophy does not call for rejecting modern medicine. On the contrary, a wise approach is to treat the body with medicine and the mind with mindfulness, recognizing the value of qualified medical care.