..續本文上一頁nership, harmony, and balance. They must stop thinking mechanistically and learn to think organically. Most important, they must put their egos aside and see life unselfishly, that is, without concern for profits, status, and power. As with the rest of us, these adjustments can be difficult. But they are necessary if we are to heal ourselves of our many wounds and assist others in their own process of healing.

　　I wonder if the doctors, he spoke to that day, have realized that the Venerable Ajarn was trying to help them find Nibbāna. (Nibbāna, as he understands it, has nothing to do with death.) Can you understand him this way

　　 The words I quoted above weren”t so much about himself and what they should do for him, but what they should do for their own salvation. Are doctors interested in saving themselves from the endless torment of ego

　　 I hope so, otherwise the rest of us may suffer with them. For each of us, salvation requires wisdom, especially the understanding that allows one to live without desire, attachment, ego, and selfishness.

　　Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu”s concept of letting Nature heal includes natural abilities such as the healing powers of a mind that is samādhi. The characteristics of the samādhi mind are purity, stability, and activity; it is calm, concentrated, and integrated. With mindfulness, wisdom, and samādhi, the heart is clean, clear, calm, and cool. These qualities allow the mind to be pakati (normal, natural). When the mind is pakati, the body can return to pakati. Ultimately, the highest pakati is another name for Nibbāna. Without pakati, in the Dhammic sense, there is no healing. The purity, calmness, and coolness of a mind that is pakati is a very powerful medicine. What can doctors do to assist this spiritual medicine without interfering

　　 What must they do within themselves to be able to help others

　　Physical accidents and diseases can harm the body. When physical illness occurs, some physical treatment may be needed to prevent further harm and to stabilize the condition. Thus, there is a role for medicines and other therapies. Nonetheless, these physical approaches are not the real cure, for the body is not the most important aspect of life. Medical treatment is merely a support to the natural healing described above and should never interfere with it. If too many drugs or too much hi-tech equipment is used, or if too strong invasion of the body is allowed, then wisdom and samādhi will not be able to heal the whole person.

　　Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu has dedicated more than sixty years to the study of Dhamma. While he has never claimed total mastery of Dhamma, is there anyone among you who can claim better understanding than him

　　 Regarding his own judgments, ideals, and wishes, there is no one qualified to overrule him. Further, he has practiced and investigated ānāpānasati (mindfulness with breathing, the Lord Buddha”s favorite form of meditation) extensively, which gives him excellent means for maintaining mental and physical health. In the past we have seen him deal with a series of illnesses – including gout, stroke, and heart attack – in his own way. We sincerely wish that he will be allowed to do so again.

　　Ideally, this will happen at Suan Mokkh, the location of most of Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu”s spiritual study, practice, and work. Suan Mokkh has an atmosphere to which his body-mind is well adjusted. The air is pure, many trees supply a rich source of oxygen, life is peaceful, and everyone respects his teaching and wishes. It is interesting to note that the Venerable Ajarn deteriorated while at the Surat Thani Hospital, but began to improve once he returned to Suan Mokkh. Since he was brought to Bangkok, there has not been any overall sustained improvement in his condition. Does he kn…

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