Article by Bro Sunanda Ooi

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As I penned these words, the world has witnessed the passing on of more than 3 million people as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Closer to home, we too share the similar demise of more than 2,309 people who have succumbed to this dreadful virus (as of May 24, 2021). There was never a solus event responsible for so great the loss of lives and the frailty of mental health traversing geographically far and wide, disrupting livelihoods and subjecting families and communities to unprecedented stress in such a short time.

So it is mentally a challenge when we look to ‘celebrate’ Buddha Day (also known as Wesak) which has perennially been our auspicious Buddhist fixture during this period which is the full moon of May. On this day we traditionally celebrate the Buddha’s birthday, we rejoice in His enlightenment, and we reminisce in His parinibbana (nirvana after death). Most importantly this is also a time to reflect on His teachings and to be grateful for the heritage that He has bestowed on us that we too can become a buddha.

So as we plod through this period where there is so much unease and pain of the mind we turn to the ancient teaching which until today is as relevant and useful for us to deal with this pandemic.

Loving-kindness or Mettā has its root in Pali, an ancient language spoken during the times of the Buddha. Consisting of two words – loving and kindness – its simplicity is as poignant as in its far-reaching effects of two emotionally healing embracing words.

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How can loving-kindness be of use to us during this time?

Ever so frequent now we read reports about how this pandemic has affected the mental health of not only the people who have been infected by the Covid-19 virus but also those of close family members and the general public. So, every one of us is affected, mentally speaking. This is a pandemic, in itself.

Every segment of the society has its stories to tell: for the older generation who thought they have seen it all, for the middle age who are being subjected to uncertainties in their careers or businesses, and for the younger generation who are facing unpredictable times and confusing future.

We need healing, self-healing to be more pertinent amidst gloom and pain.

In times like this, loving-kindness is like the sprinkling of cool spring water over ourselves in a parched hot desert.

“May I be safe from dangers” as you start to say to yourself. Using it with understanding and sincerity and a wish to mean what you say, is not empty wishing. If your mind is clear it encourages one to have wholesome thoughts; this will increase positivism, clarity, and purity.

“May I be peaceful and free from mental suffering”. “Who does not want this?” you asked yourself. Very obviously, when your mind starts to think along this trend, it deviates from agitation and restlessness. With the regularity of such thoughts, the peaceful nature of the mind becomes clear and one inclines to settle into a deeper state of contentment and rest.

“May I be healthy, free from physical suffering”. Aren’t we suffering every day, worrying about contracting the virus, hearing the news of the daily mortality rate of C19? We are in pain and scared. But loving-kindness can heal. Clear awareness of such tranquil thoughts will in turn bring physical comfort.

“May I take care of myself and live happily”. This aspiration is universal in human beings and so we need to reflect this as often as we find the moment of awareness and tranquillity of time and space.

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Reasons to look forward to Buddha day

Loving-kindness is normally practised as a meditative reflection and as a practice, it fills us with wholesome thoughts. Consequently, it relieves the mind from feeling anxious, worry, and grief.

Although in our aspirations, we have to look inwards to wish ourselves well, it is a truism that if we are not in the positive frame of mind, our empathy towards other beings somehow does not have the effect that was intended. We need to be happy for others to be happy.

As we ease ourselves into taking cognisance of what is happening around us, we too want to share our empathy with all beings far and wide. As we offer our universal loving-kindness, its spatial implications are apparent like a proverbial bird spreading a universal consciousness of loving-kindness.

When you replace the “I” with “all beings in the world” (likewise with someone that you know) you can then feel how much more open the heart is, sharing your empathy with the world at large – completely the reverse of a constricted heart which is confined by pain, grief, and confusion.

So as we approach Buddha Day with our heart much lighted, lighter, and our mind more at peace, we will then subsume this auspicious event not only with more understanding but also with hope and confidence.

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Shah Alam Buddhist Society have planned a series of online activities for our Buddha Day Celebration. For more info, kindly visit our website:
https://www.sabs.org.my/wesak2021/