[M]ost people who feel no particular spiritual suffering assume they are in a sound state of psychological health. Many remain unaware of their true condition because they do not recognize the difference between spiritual health and spiritual illness. Without a reliable criterion, they consider the unhealthy to be sound and believe themselves free of mental suffering and in no need of help from religion. Even those who are relatively sound of spirit, like those in good physical shape, need to maintain and improve their health. They need to deepen their religious faith and discipline and cultivate themselves in order to preserve and improve the psychological health they enjoy. The teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are the foundation of a highly rational system that not only corrects spiritual disturbances but also promotes overall spiritual health and encourages its improvement.
Basic Buddhist Concepts