Depression is a curse and a gift, although when we are down in the dumps the gift often seems elusive. Organic depressions that are caused by brain chemistry and inheritance may require medical treatment, and counseling often helps with issues of identity, behavior, relationship, and healing.
From Zen and phenomenological viewpoints, the experience of depression must be reconciled with our sense of spirituality and relationship with life. There is a saying, 'if you haven't danced with the devil you haven't practiced Zen!'. Depression is definitely a devil, for it can send us into the morass of doubt, self-pity, isolation, inaction, loss of meaning, hopelessness, despair, even suicide.
There is no panacea for depression, it requires insight, action, and a long term view of transformation. However, healing can be assisted by the teachings of Zen. First off must come acknowledgement of the depth and impact of depression on ourselves and others. We must become responsible for our condition. Secondly, by taking the path of insight we must delve into the roots of depression and take it as an invitation to discover what ails us. Thirdly, regardless of the depths of depression, we must become involved in community, an effort to help others be happy, and the continued effort to take refuge in Buddha, or surrender our lives in faith to the dharma. And finally, we must contemplate and meditate on and within peace, we can learn how to be peaceful in the middle of a rip tide and raging storm that lashes out at our body, emotions, mind, and spirit. We can learn to settle as Mara raises her head and attempts to slay us.
Many would suggest hope as an antidote to depression. I would paradoxically suggest hopelessness, a complete and thorough giving up so that you can decisively confront the present reality without any concern whatsoever for how the future turns out. This is cutting with Manjusri wisdom sword and courageously killing the notion of future time and then squarely centering your life in not only today, but in each moment of experience. This is where healing and transformation take place, in the here and now.
A friend of mine once said to me that it takes a lot of help to stand alone. If you are depressed, please resist the temptation to hide under the covers and instead, get out of the house to join groups, communities, and healing circles to get the love and kindness you need and deserve.
Blessings and prayers for all those with depression.
Phenomenological Depression
