DAILY READINGS 5th May 2008

There are two things that burn the conscience. What two? Say a person has done immoral acts of body, speech or mind, or has failed to do virtuous acts of body, speech or mind. When he thinks of this he burns with remorse.


DAILY ENLIGHTENMENT - ALLERGY

An allergy is defined as an abnormal sensitivity to a substance which is normally tolerated and generally considered harmless. Here are some facts about allergies:

1. Allergies sometimes run in families.
2. Allergy can develop at any age.
3. Anything can cause an allergy.
4. Allergies are generally harmless.
5. Allergies can be prevented.

I developed this strange rash two days back. The doctor was unsure whether the rash was a pox. He told me to apply the cream he'd be prescribing me and to see him again the next day if more rashes came up.

I realised that almost everyone had some form of allergy in the widest sense. An allergy is simply something that makes your body (or mind) freak out in some way. I don't know what hit me, but I guess my body freaked out at something I came in contact with, thus the rash outbreak. Most people have common allergies like dust, pollen, animal fur... But some people have "weird" allergies. They might be allergic to the smell of a bus seat, a sweaty handshake, a hug...

Relating to the points above on allergy,

1. I think allergies sometimes run in families simply because members in families are linked karmically. There are similarities in "karmic lineage" (birds of a feather flock together).

2. Allergies can develop at any age simply because we freak out at different things at different times. For example, you had a bad experience first time tasting a durian at five years old and ever since, you freak out at the sight and smell of a durian! You might feel dizzy or nauseous. Another could develop such an phobia-allergy when he tastes it at say, fifty-five years old!

3. Anything can cause an allergy because each of us are karmically unique. Together, there are more than 1001 things under the sun that can make us freak out because there are so many different things we feel aversion to.

4. Allergies are generally harmless. Well, what we feel averse or hatred to, is only in our minds-like inner demons haunting us.

5. Allergies can be prevented. Of course! Aversion, as one of the three poisons, along with craving and ignorance, can be eradicated. Keep an open mind and heart. Learn to embrace all. Mind over matter. Even bodily reactions can be overcome with control of the mind!

Remember-Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are never "allergic" to any thing or situation. If they were, they would be unable to save all sentient beings.