Cynthia Marshall

Buddhists perceive that a pandemic is an excellent time to truly practice Buddhist concepts.

This is a forced slowing down of our lives, and yet, we can make medicine out of poison.

Do you have no schedule? Then, schedule meditation, what we call our practice.

Sit quietly, and listen to your breath. Keep your spine straight, and your heart soft.

Breathe deeply, and recognize what your mind and body are telling you. Then, like clouds in the sky, let your negative emotions and thoughts pass by.

Open up your heart and as Buddhists say: Practice like your hair is on fire.

Buddhists believe that all living beings suffer, and that there is a way out of suffering. This way or path is called the Eightfold path.

Right now, is the perfect time to practice what Ram Dass calls “Be Here Now” by using the RAIN method developed by a Buddhist teacher named Tara Brach.

First, Recognize what is happening. Do not run from it, but face it. If you can do nothing else, you can bear witness to the suffering of others —- mothers with small children, the isolated and elderly, physicians and nurses, the growing fear of death as a random integer.

Secondly, Allow life to be just as it is. You are not in control. Let go. Find the medicine in the poison. Is it time to call a family member that you have had a conflict with to offer a peaceful message? Is it time to reassess your own life and recognize what is important to you and what isn't?

Thirdly, Investigate with kindness. People are afraid. Don't judge them or their behaviors. Feel compassion for those who are not coping, who are frantic with fear. Accept their fear, and remain a strong-backed, soft-hearted person.

Fourthly, practice Non-identification. This isn't about you. It is about all living beings. So send loving kindness to all living beings. Change your heart to one of open compassion and kindness.

The RAIN Method helps all of us trust our inner life, recognize that the world suffers, meditate on the inter-being of us all, and open our heart to loving kindness.

As the metta prayer begins: May all things be happy.

Cynthia Marshall is an ordained Zen Buddhist Chaplain who leads the Butler Buddhist sangha, which has open dharma talks at The Maridon Museum, 322 N McKean St.