..续本文上一页and brought his wife and daughter. I have met many such families in the past that would break down into tears as soon as we meet. Yet this family remained calm and composed, and talked cheerfully and humorously throughout. I was very astonished.
It turned out that they have been studying Buddhism for a long time. This patient feel that for his life to be so short, there must have been karmic causes in the past. Also, death is only switching of a shell. In the long and vast cyclic existence, this kind of birth and death cycle is limitless and boundless; there is no need to particularly suffer for it.
His wife also holds the same view. She said: “While we are very close, and our family is not like before, now we lead quite a comfortable existence. But if unfortunately he leaves this world, there isn”t really anything for us to grieve. Buddhadharma has given us strength, given us consolation. If we have not studied Buddhism, this family of ours would definitely have collapsed.” His daughter also apparently is very well versed in the Middle Way teachings.
In the process of our conversation, they continued to be light-hearted and jovial, full of strength. On the contrary it was I who could not bear to see one so young die, felt that it is such a pity. But because he has the guidance of Buddhadharma, in the face of death and partings, he indeed can be calm and accepting.
Sogyal Rinpoche also told this story in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: In 1976, when the second Dudjom Rinpoche was in New York, an American woman who was extremely sick came to see him. As soon as she saw Rinpoche, she broke down into tears: “My doctor has given me only a few months to live. Can you help me
I am dying.” In a gentle yet compassionate way, Rinpoche began to chuckle. Then he said quietly: “You see, we are all dying. It”s only a matter of time. Some of us just die sooner than others.” These words eased her anxiety. Afterwards she took refuge and adopted Buddhist practices to adjust the mindset. In the end, not only did she come to accept death; by following the practice with complete dedication, she was miraculously healed.
In truth, each of us must face death; it is life”s greatest lesson. For many people, even if they do not want to die and dare not talk about it, eventually they still must face death. If you can study Buddhadharma and have a prior understanding and preparation of life and death, of cyclic existence, then sometimes courage can become strength and allow you to stand up to any suffering.
Last year a medical student from Qinghai University came to our Buddhist Institute. She was also terminally ill and the doctors said she did not have long to live. Before she left this world, her greatest wish was to become a nun. Later on she fulfilled her wish and became a nun at the Buddhist Institute. In the end, her illness was unexpectedly cured – I am not telling a myth, but what had actually and truthfully happened. It is such a shame that many people do not know these benefits Buddhism has to the inner world. If you can go deep into Buddhism, you will discover that there is much wisdom and power beyond your expectation. As long as there is confidence, anyone can attain these.
6. How to turn adversity into practice
In Buddhism, the ways of facing suffering are markedly different to the world in general. In general people fear suffering, they go to temples to burn incense and pray to the buddhas and bodhisattvas that they would not fall ill, that their life must always be safe, secure, happy, and smooth sailing. These aspirations are extremely narrow. Although there is nothing wrong with hoping for peace and happiness, but at the same time that you are praying for your own protection, have you considered those around you
Considered …
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