Bhikkhu Bodhi’s journey of chronic pain and spiritual growth
Bhikkhu Bodhi, afflicted with chronic head pain since 1976, shares his journey of living with persistent pain and its impact on his meditation practice and scholarly work.
Despite consulting various medical and alternative therapies across different cultures, his pain remains partially controlled, serving as a stern but eloquent teacher.
Bodhi highlights the distinction between physical and mental pain. He explains that while bodily pain is inevitable, the mental reaction to it, aversion, displeasure, depression, or self-pity can be managed.
By observing pain without allowing it to dominate the mind, one can transform it into a means for inner growth.
He highlights that enduring chronic pain has helped develop attributes like patience, bravery, resolve, calmness, and empathy in him.
Bodhi underscores the importance of accepting pain as a reflection of past karma while continuing to seek effective treatments.
He advises against obsessing over the cause of pain, advocating for a balanced approach that includes both acceptance and active pursuit of remedies.
Drawing on the Buddha’s teachings, Bodhi finds solace in the contemplation that pain is not inherently personal.
By repeating the meditative formula “all feeling is not mine, not I, not my self”, he creates a distance between himself and his pain, thereby reducing its impact and fostering equanimity.
This practice, he believes, opens the door to ultimate freedom from suffering.
