The Four illnesses

"Shikai," or the four illnesses of the mind, refers to a concept that encompasses anger, doubt, fear, and surprise as disruptive states affecting our mental well-being. Through analyzing these emotions, we can observe how each one interferes with our ability to think clearly and act in a balanced manner. Anger tends to provoke impulsive and destructive reactions, damaging our relationships and clouding our judgment. Doubt, on its part, sows uncertainty and paralyzes decision-making, preventing us from fully committing to our actions. Fear, by creating an atmosphere of apprehension, limits our boldness and holds us back when facing challenges, while surprise, when it occurs excessively or inappropriately, disrupts our emotional stability and understanding of events. By identifying and understanding these four "illnesses," it becomes possible to implement practices—such as meditation, mindfulness, and critical reflection—in order to cultivate a calmer and more resilient mind, one capable of transcending these disturbances to achieve a state of inner balance.