Pandemic Religion: A Digital Archive

The impact of religious practices on families

My cousin, Jerry, is a 14 years old young boy who has been suffering autism for years. He cannot express his emotion and often appears to be manic depression, a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. No one in his family knows the exact cause of this disorder, and even though the treatment could help him getting better, it could never be cured and maybe lasting lifelong. It is hard for him to make friends at school, and thus, he gradually isolates himself from the outer environment and his families as well. My uncle is a devout Buddhist, and there is a room in his house, which is mainly for cultus practice. Every morning, my uncle would require Jerry to meditate together with him for an hour and then drives him to school. He tends to use laws in Buddhism to teach him liberation and freedom of suffering. He thinks that concentration and meditation could develop one’s mind and guide them to the path to wisdom and leads to personal space. It is a way to strengthen and control one’s mind and maintaining oneself in good conduct. Right now, meditation has become a unique way for Jerry to calm himself down.

May 12, 2020

Buddhism

New York