I was in the middle of creating my online course, “Love Your Enemies,” when the coronavirus outbreak really started to get serious. As a result, I haven’t had much time to respond to current events. I’m planning a new course this month, probably called “Meditating In a Crisis.” For now, I’d like to share some thoughts on this topic using the Buddha’s Eightfold Path as a guide.
If you’re not familiar with the Eightfold Path, it’s a comprehensive system of practices designed to move us from ignorance to enlightenment, from suffering to peace. It’s not a step-by-step process but rather eight aspects of life that can all be practiced simultaneously. Think of it like a highway with eight lanes or a path made of eight bricks, each representing one of the aspects. Or imagine it as a rainbow with eight colors, or a cord woven from eight threads. The Eightfold Path is practical and adaptable to what we’re facing today.
We start by examining our views. These are our core beliefs and assumptions about life. Some beliefs contribute to our happiness, while others detract from it. Often, we don’t seek out these unhelpful views deliberately. They come to light when we’re experiencing suffering. For example, the belief that “bad things shouldn’t happen to me” can make situations like the coronavirus feel unjust. The Buddha encouraged a perspective more aligned with, “Shit happens.” Things change, sometimes in unwelcome ways, and we have to deal with it.
Another unhelpful view might be, “This always happens to me!” This kind of thinking can lead to self-pity and isn’t helpful. This epidemic isn’t about us individually; it’s a problem affecting many people, some much worse than others. Focusing solely on ourselves isn’t useful and actually makes us feel worse. By becoming aware of our views about the pandemic, we can let go of unhelpful ones and adopt more constructive ones.
Right resolve, or right attitude, is about our emotional response to the world and whether it helps or hinders our wellbeing. Emotions like self-pity, panic, or despondency aren’t helpful. More beneficial responses include self-compassion and compassion for others, which lessen our focus on ourselves and enhance our sense of shared experience.
Right speech involves abstaining from lying, divisive speech, abusive speech, and idle chatter, and instead speaking truthfully, kindly, and with a goal of fostering harmony. We can extend our compassion through our communication, offering words of support and appreciation to those around us — especially those helping others or struggling during this crisis. Being mindful of the media we consume, such as anxiety-provoking news or inflammatory social media, is also important.
Right action is about making sure our actions benefit rather than harm others. This includes physical distancing, minimizing shopping trips, and taking only what we need. We should also check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are vulnerable, always acting with care and compassion.
Right livelihood means doing work that doesn’t cause harm and ideally benefits others. For those not working during this time, it can mean using our time productively and taking care of ourselves and our surroundings, such as exercising or doing household tasks.
Right effort focuses on managing our mental state. It means avoiding unhelpful states, like worry, and cultivating positive ones, like kindness and compassion. Observing our thoughts and practicing self-compassion when we feel anxious can help us return to a state of peace and be more helpful to others.
Mindfulness is crucial — it’s the ability to observe our thoughts and attitudes and understand their impact. Continually cultivating mindfulness helps us stay grounded and avoid being overwhelmed by anxious thoughts.
Samadhi, or concentration, is about maintaining a steady focus and continuity of awareness. It helps us cultivate positive mental states and observe the temporary nature of our anxieties, making them easier to manage and less impactful.
Three key aspects — view, effort, and mindfulness — are involved in every part of this practice. We need to understand the benefits, recognize skillful actions, and put effort into cultivating positive habits.
I hope you can see how the Eightfold Path can be a valuable tool during a crisis like the one we’re facing today. I look forward to exploring this further in my upcoming course.