Modern Buddhist Healing by Charles Atkins

Author:Charles Atkins
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 0892540621
Publisher: Nicolas-Hays, Inc
Published: 2002-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

LESSONS

Rather than languishing in my sick bed, I took it upon myself to wander the vast cancer ward of Hines Hospital. It was immediately apparent that many people were far sicker than I was. I used my training in faith gained through my thirteen-year association with the American branch of the Buddhist lay organization Soka Gakkai International, to encourage other people. That training included reaching out to others, despite one's own difficult situation. Based on the knowledge that life is eternal, the Bodhisattva gives his or her full energy for the salvation and benefit of others, without regard for his or her own life. Such altruistic attitudes are the desired result of Buddhist practice. To look beyond your own problems and display mercy and compassion for others despite your own difficulties is the epitome of human behavior. It was obvious that such behavior, resulting from years of Buddhist training, would prove invaluable in my personal fight against cancer and how I could influence others to do the same.

Although discouraged by the rapid deterioration of my own health and the somber words of my doctors, I found value in visiting as many patients as I could. Many were old and alone with no family members to bring them comfort. I discovered that the simple act of holding a person's hand in their final moments was more valuable to them than mountains of gold.

One very old man was strapped to the bed, calling out his wife's name at the top of his lungs. He would shout for his beloved “Rose” until the nurses had enough, finally giving him an injection to calm him down and induce sleep. After hearing his plaintive cries for several nights, I asked permission to sit with the old man.

When he looked at me, he seemed surprised that someone other than a nurse or doctor was beside his bed. Turning away, he called out for his wife. I touched his hand and recited Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in my most melodious voice. The old man became silent and stared at me in amazement, seeming to really enjoy what I was doing. In my heart I prayed for mercy for this complete stranger. Next I recited a chapter from the Lotus Sutra in a slow and rhythmic voice. His face was childlike and awestruck.

I spent only a short time with that veteran, but when I started to leave, despite being restrained, he tried to grab my hand. I took hold of him and looked deeply into his eyes, trying to reassure him that he was not alone. That night the old man was oddly silent. During the night he died. It was a merciful blessing for someone with metastatic prostate cancer.

It seemed as if everyone I met and everything I observed had a purpose. Life was exposing its impermanence to me for the first time with all its beauty and tragedy. But nothing could prepare me for the experience of the fifth night. I had stopped at the TV room to chat with a woman and her daughter.

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