Life and illness in view of Buddhism

Abstract

This article aims to study the context of life and illness, to investigate the Buddhist method of treatment included with value of illness on life. It is found that life is an illusion in the Buddhist concept that is composed by the Five Aggregates. In addition, life is only just a stream of aggravating factors and fall into the Three Characteristics viz. impermanence, suffering and non-self. There are two types of illness: physical illness and mental illness, all of which are related. Physical illnesses caused by many reasons, such as bacteria, environment, lifestyle and Kamma. According to the mental illness, it is caused by the defilements and it must be cured appropriately. Regarding the Buddhist way of treatment, it consists of three methods as follows: 1) by physicians, 2) by means of natural therapy and 3) by the Buddhaís Doctrines. In the Buddhist perspective, illness is of great value to life at least in three ways as: 1) ethical value ñ it makes a good relationship among people such as relatives, physicians, nurse etc., 2) value of understanding in life that it fall into decay and subject to change and 3) value of understanding the Ultimate Truth that all compounded things are impermanent and finally one can uproot his/her attachment.