change positions
[W]hen we realize that we are forced to change positions because of pain, we should question further to find out if there are other reasons. If the answer is that we change because we want to be comfortable, this is incorrect. It is incorrect because it is a distortion of happiness. The correct answer is that we change in order to "cure" the pain. We do not change to acquire happiness. The wrong answer comes from misunderstanding, and if we do not have the right comprehension when we change positions, defilements can and will spring up. Changing positions to "cure" pain indicates that we have to remedy the situation at all times. We should not misjudge and think that the reason is to attain happiness, since the curing of pain all the time is the same as having to take medicines constantly. It is like nursing a continuous sickness. Thus, we should not look upon nursing sickness and curing pain as being happiness at all.
~ Achaan Naeb, in Jack Kornfield's Living Dharma
My Groups
-
Photography Updated: 6 minutes ago
-
Photographers Updated: 6 minutes ago
-
Life and Photos Updated: 6 minutes ago
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
Comments
I somewhat disagree with this statement, having been in a car accident in 1997 and suffered back and neck pain for ten years. I believe it is important to be in the body and through that comes the release of tension and emotions. If we feel the pain, it can be borne. I also went through child birth without meds and know this is the case, riding the body all the way through. Also some pains don't have cures, such as chronic diseases. Yes, comfort and joy can happen, if one allows oneself to relax through pain.
Lucy
And so what it suggests, to me, is exactly what you said. Don't try to avoid the pain, don't try to cure it. If we are truly aiming for happiness, we have to do what you said and relax through pain. :)