The worldwide pandemic that is affecting all of us is having a profound impact not only on our daily lives but also our spiritual lives. I’ve certainly noticed an increase in spiritual questions, ideas, quotes, and ponderings on my social media feeds and in real-life, from-a-distance conversations. Have you?
It seems only natural. When big things happen, when uncertainty abounds, and when we’re forced to stop racing through life—as this situation has certainly imposed—we tend to seek greater understanding, higher wisdom, and fundamental truths.
Interestingly, many of the spiritual teachings that have been passed down for thousands of years seem to have similar things to say about major manifestations like this one. Though these traditions originated in separate corners of the world, long before worldwide travel was a thing and communication technology existed, they convey a common message.
Both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions have offered perspectives on why disasters like pandemics occur, putting the onus on the individual and the need to look inward in the face of such events.
The story of Zhang Daoling, an ancient Taoist who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 B.C.–220 A.D.) describes how he guided his disciples to answer plagues with repentance. Zhang asked those who were sick to write down the wrongdoings they had committed throughout their lives, and then vow to the divine that they wouldn’t commit bad deeds again.
Many who followed his advice recovered and were cured. As word spread, hundreds of thousands of lives were saved.
In his seminal book of teachings, Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu pointed to the importance of searching for lessons in external occurrences and observations, recognizing one’s faults, admitting one’s mistakes, and correcting one’s behavior.
Buddhism has similar lessons. Buddhists believe that life inherently entails suffering and that everything that happens in life is a result of karma. Buddhism fundamentally teaches that good karma or virtue is rewarded and that bad karma or sin is punished, and that being virtuous can protect one from disaster.
Western religions also place importance on inner reflection and seeking God amidst disasters.
The Bible speaks directly of plagues throughout, describing the importance of self-reflection and reviewing one’s sins, repenting, and asking for God’s forgiveness in the face of disasters.
This particular pandemic came during the Christian season of Lent, a time of inner reflection and repentance for one’s sins, and the Jewish holiday of Passover, likewise a time of inner searching and one that commemorates God’s liberations of the Israelites from Egypt by casting, yes, plagues upon the Egyptians.
If we’re looking for a lesson in all of this, perhaps it’s that the best response on the part of each of us is to reflect and search within ourselves, admit our mistakes, correct ourselves, turn our attention to God, and ask for forgiveness and guidance.
