54 Pearls: 10 – Illness as Practice

Illness presents a chance to engage in deeply meaningful practice. At such times, you
should think to yourself, “My Guru has given me an opportunity to take on the suffering of
sentient beings. My heart-wish to practice tonglen has come to fruition in this opportunity. I will
look upon it as a blessing and visualize myself bearing the misfortunes, sufferings and
hardships of all sentient beings.” Seeing your suffering in this light—the cherishing and
compassionate light of Bodhichitta—brings three precious benefits: auspicious karma, expedient
removal of karmic obstacles, and vast merit.

FR