The Physician’s Counsel: Ancient Eastern Wisdom for Life’s Autumn Years
Girish Jha, Coach and Guide, Eastern Wisdom . Blog for Silent-Generation
In the Garden of Self-Knowledge
The Eternal Realities: Five Pillars of Wisdom
- The Medical Analogy: A Lesson in Perspective
Just as a prudent patient receives a physician’s diagnosis with equanimity, so must we receive life’s feedback. When the doctor reports elevated blood pressure, the wise patient sees information for action, not cause for offense. Life, too, offers us “reports” – not complaints – about our well-being and intent for self-discovery. - The Immutable Law of Personal Responsibility
As we learned through decades of experience, one cannot change others; one can only change oneself. This principle, central to Eastern Wisdom, echoes the self-reliance our generation has long valued. Hatred, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations serve only to obstruct our path to peace and happiness. - The Mirror of Perception
Our reactions to life’s circumstances reveal more about our inner state than about external events. Like a clear pond reflects the sky above, a tranquil mind perceives reality without distortion. The turbulent mind, however, sees only its own agitation reflected. - The Foundation of Knowledge
Eastern wisdom teaches that understanding must precede practice – a principle familiar to those who learned their trades through apprenticeship. As Girish explains, transformation requires “90% knowledge, 10% practice.” Without proper understanding, even decades of meditation yield little fruit. - The Virtue of Endurance
We who have weathered life’s storms understand endurance. Eastern tradition speaks of “the power of endurance” – not merely physical stamina, but the mental fortitude leads to wisdom from impulsive mind. This resonates deeply with our generation’s values of perseverance and resilience.
Practical Applications for the Seasoned Mind
- Health Challenges: When facing medical issues, view them as neutral information requiring response, not personal affronts.
- Family Relations: When grandchildren seem distant or children make choices we question, we examine our expectations rather than their behavior.
- Retirement Adjustments: If retirement brings restlessness, see it as an opportunity for inner growth, not a problem to solve.
- Legacy Concerns: Focus on the wisdom and values we impart, not on controlling how others receive them.
A Disciplined Approach to Inner Peace
- Morning Contemplation: Begin each day with quiet reflection on your attitudes and expectations.
- Mindful Observation: Throughout the day, notice when you shift from receiving “reports” to perceiving “complaints.”
- Breathing Practice: Use the simple technique of counting breaths to center yourself when agitated or upset.
- Body Awareness to Comfort and Steadiness: Learn from a teacher of Eastern Wisdom, how to discover comfort in the body not of the bdoy.
- Evening Review: Before sleep, reflect on the day’s reactions and what they revealed about your inner state.
What long-held grievances might you be carrying that are actually “reports” inviting you to examine your own expectations and attitudes?
The Wisdom of Years
We have lived long enough to know that external circumstances rarely bring lasting peace. The Eastern masters confirm what experience has taught us: contentment comes from within. As we enter life’s twilight, we have an opportunity spend time and effort to discover our Real-Self aims at inner transformation.
The choice remains ours: to continue seeking change in others, or to embrace the profound work of self-transformation. In doing so, we not only find peace for ourselves but also leave a legacy of wisdom for generations to follow.
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