The first noble truth teaches that sickness is an unavoidable part of life. Maintaining physical health, free from the suffering of illness, supports the well-being of both body and mind. The Buddha encouraged people to care for their bodies and tend to the sick, emphasizing these as acts of compassion.

Across Buddhist cultures, various medical approaches have developed, reflecting their understanding of the interconnectedness of the body and mind. Illness naturally arises from specific causes and conditions, including environmental, social, and mental factors. While some of these causes can be identified and changed, others cannot.

Eastern medical traditions, such as Tibetan Medicine, Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda, offer unique perspectives and methodologies that differ from Western medical approaches. These systems often focus on restoring balance and addressing the root causes of illness rather than solely treating symptoms.

The Buddha often used the metaphor of dharma as medicine. He taught that one should recognize the sickness, abandon its cause, aspire for its cure, and rely on the appropriate treatment. Similarly, another common metaphor presents the Buddha as the doctor, the dharma as the medicine, and the sangha as those who trust the doctor and take the medicine.

In Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, the Medicine Buddha is revered as a symbol of healing and compassionate care. His practice serves as a reminder of the potential for both physical and spiritual healing.

Sickness is an unavoidable part of life. Physical health supports mental health and vice versa. There are various approaches to achieving wellbeing and different understandings of the body. We must exercise our own discernment in choosing which methods to trust. Sickness is a natural result of certain causes and conditions, some of which can be identified and altered, while others are beyond our control.

Think about a time they weren’t feeling well and what made them feel better. Reflect on the experience of potential causes of not feeling well and healing factors.

Compare two different approaches to the same condition. Reflect on any changes in their view after learning about alternative views of wellness.

• What traditional or non-traditional, Western or Eastern medical practices are you familiar with, and how do they compare?

Analyze the first noble truth’s teaching that sickness is inherent to life while comparing Buddhist, traditional Eastern, and Western approaches to health and healing; evaluate the interconnection between physical and mental well-being from multiple medical perspectives; and synthesize understanding by developing informed criteria for assessing various healing modalities while maintaining openness to different definitions of wellness.