In today's modern society, illness and physical suffering are more prevalent than ever. Our immediate reaction to pain is usually to seek a quick fix—doctors, pills, and various treatments. But have you ever stopped to wonder if illness is merely the result of the body’s degeneration or abuse, or if it carries a deeper significance?
Psychological Pain: The Unseen Illness
Beyond physical ailments, there is what J. Krishnamurti calls "psychological pain". This is the pain of being wounded, hurt, or feeling a deep agony inside. Getting hurt by someone’s words or actions is a form of illness itself, yet it is a "great illness" to which we often pay very little attention. We try to avoid or run away from this inner pain, just as we do with physical pain.
Running Away vs. "Staying With It"
Our habit is to escape suffering as quickly as possible. However, Krishnamurti suggests that no external medicine, guru, book, or even God can truly stop this internal pain. The true significance of pain is revealed only when we stop running and instead "deeply stay with it". When you do not avoid it, you can penetrate into something that goes beyond mere self-interest.
A Lesson from Stillness
Krishnamurti shared a personal experience where he became completely paralyzed for a month due to a heavy dose of antibiotics. During that time, he did not seek sympathy or try to escape the situation; he simply "put up with it" and stayed with the experience. He noted that while physical pain can be dealt with through medical means, it becomes secondary if one has addressed the inward pain.
The Power of Self-Observation
The significance of illness ultimately depends on how you face life. It is about how you look at your circumstances, how you receive them, and how you respond to the challenges of daily life. Krishnamurti suggests that if you observe yourself as closely as you would "observe a lovely tree or a pigeon on the flight," you will find that this observation reveals extraordinary things about your inner self.
Conclusion
Illness is not just a physical malfunction; it can be an invitation to deeper self-awareness. By learning not to run away from our pain—both physical and psychological—we open the door to a level of understanding that transcends our daily struggles.