Reviving Buddhist Discussion

[Hollyd]

I can't say I'm a fully practising Buddhist because I haven't committed to a meditation practice but I've dabbled heavily, mostly in Tibetan Buddhism.

I think I've read all of Pema Chodron's books and it's about time to re-read I think with all this going on. I keep thinking of another book I read, 'Still Here' by Ram Dass which tells about his journey w/ a serious stroke from his Buddhist perspective. I feel I'll start there. Anyone read it? I really recommend it.

I read some of the archived posts on Buddhist topics and was interested to see Tonglen discussed. Since my illness I've put up a picture of the medicine Buddha in my bedroom to remind me of this practice.

Many years ago I "tried on" going into the pain when I had an extremely painful pinched nerve in my neck and no pain relievers. There is a place where when you really focus on it, rather than pull away from it as is really normal to do, for a split second it goes away. Mind you, I'm still taking my Tramadol! But it's interesting and can get you through those really rough times a little bit, a very little bit easier.

Pain can feel very isolating and punishing to me. When I remember all the people in the world who at that moment are suffering pain, I am able to get past those feelings. Unfortunately many people here on this board are in that group w/ me. We all have one another to think of as suffering along w/ us and to wish healing for, along w/ ourselves of course.

[ihurttoo]

Though I am not Buddist, I am find it fascinating to hear about other's beliefs and particularly how they draw from their spirituality to help deal with chronic pain. Hopefully, our Buddist friends will chime in and can get the discussion going again.

Hugs,
Amy

[megancolleen]

I'm not a Buddhist (I'm agnostic, but I find certain aspects of all religions very interesting), but it seems like certain principles of Buddhism would be really helpful to ICers...like meditation and detachment and the idea that we can lessen our suffering by the way we think and feel.

It seems to me that Eastern culture/religion puts more of an emphasis on the collective, the community, in contrast to our Western way of living with is very individualistic "me me me" oriented. I totally agree that this is bad for chronic pain sufferers, very isolating. It's as if we don't want to burden people with "our" problems, and others push us away because we're not their problem and this couldn't ever happen to them.

Sorry I don't have anything insightful to bring to this topic, but I'm really Buddhism is being discussed. These boards seem to be pretty Christian-based for the most part, and it's nice to see other views being voiced.

[Hollyd]

Hi Amy,

I agree, it's great to hear how people use their faith or beliefs to deal w/ this disease. Personally, I'll draw from anything I find beneficial!

Hi Megancolleen,

I agree there is a basic societal problem w/ people pushing away people suffering from any kind of affliction and how that leaves sufferers feeling that the "right" thing to do is not bother them. I feel at a loss right now on how to deal w/ what I tell people about my new disease state, how much to tell, fearing sounding like I feel sorry for myself even if I tell a simple laundry list of what my limitations are now.

By the way, I really love the quote you have in your signature. It warrants a discussion by itself. Thanks for sharing that. The delight is vital. Getting older, experience has taught me, and this disease is quickly teaching me that I can't throw all of my energy into chasing down a cure to the point of neglecting this day and the things that make a day worth living.