PRACTICE FOR HAVING AN EMPTY MIND

Abstract

“Healthy Body, Happy Mind” is an ethical discussion of Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P.A. Payutto) that explains the principles of mental development for patients, caregivers, as well as healers and nurses by applying the principles of Buddhism and evidently explaining principles and methods in the treatment of mental illness such as Brahmavihara (the four sublime states of mind), Iddhipada (the four paths of accomplishment), Bojjhanga (the seven factors of enlightenment), etc. It is regarded as a book that favorably helps enhancing the spirit of patients and the Buddhist teachings in the book can be evidently applied in living life.

            The prominent point of the book “Healthy Body Happy Mind” is that it includes the content describing the treatment of patients according to the Buddhist principles with a focus on mental treatment of  all patients, caregivers as well as healers. He also explains how to appropriately apply the Buddhist principles such as Brahmavihara (the four sublime states of mind), Iddhipada (the four paths of accomplishment), Bojjhanga (the seven factors of enlightenment), etc. with the patients, caregivers as well as healers. Most content of the book “Healthy Body Happy Mind” is about healing patients mainly on mental treatment to be recovered from within  before the treatment of body from diseases. It is regarded as a book which is suitable for the current situation of the pandemic. Regarding additional comments from the author of this article, the content of the book should include the Dhamma principles in Buddhism that could inspire the readers by exemplifying the effective results of the use of the Dhamma during the Buddha’s lifetime.