"Recent research in medicine, in experimental
psychology and what is still called parapsychology has
thrown some light on the nature of mind and its
position in the world. During the last forty years the
conviction has steadily grown among medical men that
very many causes of disease, organic as well as
functional, are directly caused by mental states. The
body becomes ill because the mind controlling it
either secretly wants to make it ill, or else because
it is in such a state of agitation that it cannot
prevent the body from sickening. Whatever its physical
nature, resistance to disease is unquestionably
correlated with the psychological condition of the
patient.
Mind not only makes sick, it also cures. An optimistic
patient has more chance of getting well than a patient
who is worried and unhappy. The recorded instances of
Medicine Buddha Healing include cases in which even
organic diseases were cured almost instantly.
In this connection it is interesting to observe the
prevalence, in Buddhist lands, listening to the
recital of the Dhamma for protection and deliverance
from evil, and for promoting welfare and well-being.
The selected discourses for recital are known as
PARITTA SUTTA in Pali, meaning "protection". They are
used to describe certain suttas or discourses (spoken
directly by the Lord Buddha) that are regarded as
affording protection and deliverance from harmful
influences.
The practice of reciting and listening to the PARITTA
SUTTA began very early in the history of Buddhism.
It is certain that their recital produces mental
well-being in those who listen to them with
intelligence and are confident in the Truth of the
Buddha's words. Such mental well-being can help those
who are ill to recover and it can also help to induce
the mental attitude that brings happiness, and to
overcome its opposite.
Originally in India those who listened to paritta,
sayings of the Buddha, understood what was recited and
the effect on them was correspondingly of great merit.
The Buddha himself had Paritta recited for Him, and He
also requested others to recite Paritta for His
Disciples when they were ill. This practice is still
in vogue in Buddhist lands.
The Buddha and the Arahats can concentrate on the
PARITTA SUTTAS without the aid of another. However,
when they are ill it is easier for them to listen to
what others recite, and thus focus their minds on the
Dhamma that Sutta contains than think of the Dhamma
themselves. There are occasions, as in the case of
illness which weakens the mind, when hetero-suggestion
has been found to be more effective than
autosuggestion.
According to the Dhamma the mind is so closely linked
with the body that mental states affect the body's
health and well-being.
Some medical doctors even say that there is no such
thing as a purely physical disease. Unless, therefore
these bad mental states are caused by previous evil
acts (akusala kamma-vipaka, and so are unalterable, it
is possible so as to change them that mental health
and physical well-being will follow.
The vibratory sounds produced by PARITTA are soothing
to the nerves and produce a state of peace of mind and
brings harmony to the nervous system.
How can bad influences springing from evil beings be
counteracted by the recitation of PARRITA SUTTA?
Well, they are the result of evil thinking. They can,
therefore be destroyed by the good states of mind
caused by listening intelligently, confidently, to the
PARITTA sayings, because of the power of concentration
that comes into being through attending
whole-heartedly to the truth of the PARITTA.
PARITTA SUTTA recital is a form of Sacca-kiriya
(depending on the truth for protection). This means
complete establishment in the power to gain one's end.
The saying:"The power of truth protects a follower of
the truth" (Dhammo have rakkhati Dhammcarim) is the
principle behind these sutta recitals.
If it is true that virtue protects the virtuous, then
a person who listens to these sayings with complete
confidence in Lord Buddha's words, will acquire so
virtuous a state of mind, that he or she will conquer
any and all evil influences.
The recital of PARITTA SUTTA also results in material
Blessings through the mental states caused by
concentration and confidence in listening
intelligently to the recital. Accordingly to the
Buddha, Right Effort is a necessary factor in
overcoming suffering
(viriyena dukkham accheti). Listening to one of the
recitals in the proper way can also generate energy
for the purpose of doing good, and following the path
of wordly progress with diligence.
It is understood that listening to these PARITTA SUTTA
must produce in the intelligent and confident listener
only wholesome states which can cure and prevent
illness.
There is no better medicine than Dhamma for both the
mental and physical ills which are the cause of all
suffering and misfortune.
So the recital of PARITTA SUTTA may, when are listened
to rightly ,bring into being mental conditions of
health necessary for material progress, physical
welfare and well-being.
- by the Venerable Piyadassi Thera.