cancer Archives - Jungto Society

For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cThere is a saying that while dead parents are buried in the ground, a dead child is buried in the hearts of parents. Someone else cannot carry your pain for you and I sympathize with your hardship. I offer my condolences along with the audience here.\u201d . Sunim pressed his palms together and prayed. So did the audience. The questioner wept.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is a saying that while dead parents are buried in the ground, a dead child is buried in the hearts of parents. Someone else cannot carry your pain for you and I sympathize with your hardship. I offer my condolences along with the audience here.\u201d . Sunim pressed his palms together and prayed. So did the audience. The questioner wept.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
\u201cA while ago my 14-year-old son, who had been treated for brain tumor, had increased intracranial pressure and was declared brain-dead. I decided to remove life support and he passed away as a result. Looking back, I am tormented by the thought that I was a cruel mom and I\u2019m wondering if I made the right decision. While my son was ill, I was diagnosed with fourth-stage breast cancer, ending up losing both my son and my health. What should my family do? My son\u2019s birthday is approaching and I miss him more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is a saying that while dead parents are buried in the ground, a dead child is buried in the hearts of parents. Someone else cannot carry your pain for you and I sympathize with your hardship. I offer my condolences along with the audience here.\u201d . Sunim pressed his palms together and prayed. So did the audience. The questioner wept.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA while ago my 14-year-old son, who had been treated for brain tumor, had increased intracranial pressure and was declared brain-dead. I decided to remove life support and he passed away as a result. Looking back, I am tormented by the thought that I was a cruel mom and I\u2019m wondering if I made the right decision. While my son was ill, I was diagnosed with fourth-stage breast cancer, ending up losing both my son and my health. What should my family do? My son\u2019s birthday is approaching and I miss him more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is a saying that while dead parents are buried in the ground, a dead child is buried in the hearts of parents. Someone else cannot carry your pain for you and I sympathize with your hardship. I offer my condolences along with the audience here.\u201d . Sunim pressed his palms together and prayed. So did the audience. The questioner wept.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this were a Buddhist gathering, I would chant Haetaljoo (a chant to liberate and lift a spirit to heaven). Since this is not a religious gathering but one for the general public, please understand that we can\u2019t perform the religious ritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What has happened has happened and gone. Your son won\u2019t come back alive even if you weep, pray to God or pay much money. The event has passed. If you continue to grieve over an irreversible past event, you will suffer greatly first of all. Second, your suffering will cause suffering to your husband, parents, your remaining children and other family members.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Buddha said, \u201cIn life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. And with this second arrow comes the possibility of choice.\u201d If your son\u2019s death is the first arrow, you and your family are being hit by the second arrow due to your reaction to the first arrow. Although you couldn\u2019t avoid the first arrow, you don\u2019t need to be hit by the second arrow if you are wise. It\u2019s okay for you to grieve, feel suffering, or miss your son if those actions will bring your dead son back. If, however, you cannot reverse his death no matter what you do, you yourself should live a good life from now on. When you do that, you can prevent the secondary damages to your husband, parents and remaining children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logically you may agree with me but you might not be able to hear me because you are caught up in grief. But consider this. Will you be as sad as you are today in one, two, or three years? Or will you be less sad as time passes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I will be less sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, will you be less sad because your son comes back alive or will you be less sad even though the situation is the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will be less sad even though the situation is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you will be less sad in three years even if the situation remains the same, which is better, to be less sad after grieving for three years or to be less sad right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right. It\u2019s important to recognize that. A wise person should choose to be less sad right now instead of becoming less sad after grieving for three years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, what should you do from the religious perspective? You should send your son to a better place quickly. Although no one knows whether there is a spirit after death or not, most people in general think spirits exist. Depending on the religion, they say spirits go to heaven, paradise, or be reborn. Regardless of the case, your son\u2019s spirit needs to go somewhere quickly. If mom keeps crying, lingering attachments will prevent the spirit from leaving this world. If it cannot either leave or come back, it becomes a wandering spirit. It\u2019s like causing a second harm to your son, so you should let your son leave quickly. Otherwise, how can he go to some place, be it heaven or paradise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how a person passed away, we should say farewell to him or her. It is called \u2018guiding the spirit of the deceased to the heavenly realm\u2019. It is to send the deceased away to a good place quickly. What you as a mom should do is not cry but promptly send the spirit of your son away. For example, if you send your living son to the US to study, you will miss him, but you let him go because it is a nice place there. Likewise, you should bid farewell to your dead son even if you will miss him because he\u2019s going to a good place. The same goes with marrying your daughter away. When you think that your loved one is going to a better place, parting will cause less sorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a Christian, try to believe \u2018My son is in heaven\u2019; if you\u2019re a Buddhist, believe \u2018My son is in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss\u2019; if you believe in reincarnation, consider that \u2018My son will be reborn into a healthy body instead of an ailing body\u2019. Though sad, you should let your deceased son go because he\u2019s going to a better place. Please repeat after me: \u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner was about to cry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner sobbed uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will you keep holding on to your son? He will become a wandering spirit because you\u2019re holding on to him. Which is better, making him a wandering spirit or sending him to a better place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSending him to a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs mom, you should say goodbye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The questioner brought up the courage and said goodbye with a loud voice,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son!\u201d (The questioner cried.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the loud farewell, the audience in the screen gave her a big applause. Many people in the audience were wiping off tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood for you. Let him go and don\u2019t cry. Saying goodbye while crying is as good as saying \u2018don\u2019t go\u2019. Get yourself together and live your life from now on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever think that your decision to remove life support when your son was brain-dead was wrong. \u201cRespect for life\u201d is to live according to the principles of life. Killing a living being or delaying death unnecessarily is against those principles. When someone is brain-dead or close to death due to old age, prolonging life by providing life support goes against the principles of life. Therefore, you made the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life support treatment is no more than holding on to the body. No matter how much you love someone, you should bury him or her in the ground when they die. You shouldn\u2019t keep the corpse in a room for a month or a year because you still love that person. Some people think that their loved ones should be kept in a room instead of getting buried. It will only cause bad smell. You should have a funeral for the deceased no matter how much you love that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing ventilator from the brain-dead is good for both the patient and the surviving family. It is not wrong in the least and you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said you have cancer. In general, if a child dies, parents want to die also even if they are healthy, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Then, it is a good thing that you have cancer since you wanted to die. When you try to kill yourself, it\u2019s not an easy task. However, you will die anyway even if you don\u2019t try to kill yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason why I am telling you not to commit suicide is that life is not worth the trouble. If you try to commit suicide, so much work is involved\u2014you have to buy pills, take them and suffer; or to hang yourself you have to purchase a rope, swing it over a beam, and so forth. Letting a living person live is easy and killing a living person is difficult. On the other hand, it is not easy to save someone who is about to die. It\u2019s easy to let the person die in that situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be natural is to let a living person live and let a dying person die. So, don\u2019t worry about your cancer. Does the fear of death arise when you are dead or while you are alive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having the fear of death is the proof that you are alive. Although we don\u2019t know for sure whether you will live one or ten more years, if your cancer is serious, will you die sooner or later than people who die of natural causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I may die sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your life would be shorter than others\u2019. Then, which is better, to live with suffering or to live happily? It may be okay for other people to live with suffering since they will live longer, but shouldn\u2019t you live more happily because your life will be shorter? What do you think? Which is better, to keep crying, lamenting that you will die in a year, or to live your life smiling even if you have only one day to live?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would rather live my life smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen smile from now on because you will die sooner than others. If other people ask you, \u2018Why are you smiling when you have cancer?\u2019, then answer like this,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because probably I will not live as long as you will. You may have time to get mad or cry but I don\u2019t have enough time even to smile. So, I have to smile.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say like that and live smiling, starting today. I know it\u2019s not easy, but am I right or not?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are right. (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The shorter your life is, the more you should smile. If you are to die tomorrow, you should smile all day long today. There is not enough time left to smile. Even if you have only one year to live, you should always live happily. You have no time for tears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the religious viewpoint it\u2019s not such a bad thing for you to die in one year; it\u2019s a rather good thing because you get to see your son soon. But, you don\u2019t need to hasten your death, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I live long, it\u2019s good to spend time with my family and if I die when my time comes, it\u2019s good to meet my son in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think like that, there is no problem. As long as you are alive, however, you should live smiling instead of crying foolishly like you are doing now. How about changing your perspective like this?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should have smiled when you answered. Smiling is more important than giving an answer. Please remember two things; first, say goodbye to your son; second, you should smile more often because your life will be shorter. Let\u2019s try again. Say, \u2018Goodbye, my son.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye, my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. This time say \u2018I\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live my short life smiling\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Please give her a round of applause. You go ahead and smile. Now I can see some smile around your lips. Though you\u2019re still tearful, you\u2019re smiling. (Laughs)\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunim also clapped loudly, encouraging the questioner. Comments of encouragement poured in in the chat box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Besides this question, there were a variety of questions including a question by an elementary school student who asked about friendship, one by a man in his 40s who was worrying about making ends meet, one by a Christian who was curious about life after death, one by a son-in-law who had issues with his father-in-law, and one by a woman in her 30s who asked about how not to get irritated with her children. After responding to eight questions, Sunim asked for the questioners\u2019 comments. The woman who lost her son gave her comment without tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will get up the courage again as you told me. I won\u2019t distress my family with the second arrow but live wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease give her a round of applause.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"alt\"\/$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sunim and the audience gave her encouraging applause.<\/p>\n","post_title":"My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"my-son-declared-brain-dead-passed-away-and-i-was-diagnosed-with-advanced-cancer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-14 14:17:56","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-14 19:17:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19795","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":18151,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2024-04-09 07:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2024-04-09 12:00:00","post_content":"\n
P:<\/strong> As we grow older, our bodies become weak and our bodily functions deteriorate. Also, we are likely to have various illnesses. Then, we become overly worried about our health and become fearful of death. \u201cI went to get a health check-up because I wasn\u2019t feeling well. I am worried about the results because I feel I may have cancer\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since cancer is so common nowadays, there are people who, whenever they don\u2019t feel well, are worried that they may have cancer. Why has the number of cancer patients increased in modern times? One reason is that people live longer than they did in the past, so the ratio of people who die from cancer has also increased. Also, cancer only seems to be more prevalent nowadays because it is harder to cure compared to other diseases despite the great advances in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many causes of cancer including eating processed food containing carcinogens, drinking polluted water, breathing polluted air, and suffering from mental stress. In order to decrease the chances of getting cancer, you should avoid getting overly stressed and consume natural organic food. Even if you contract cancer, you can get cured with proper treatment, especially if you are diagnosed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worrying about contracting cancer and dying from it will only cause you more stress. If you worry, you may feel more ill and may become consumed with anxiety. If this happens, it is a good idea to reflect on how you are obsessing over your body. You need to realize that you are a mortal being even though it felt like you would be healthy forever when you were young. You need to let go of your obsession over good health and longevity. That way, even if you become ill, you may be able to accept it with equanimity. One day, a woman consulted me about her husband who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: \u201cThe doctor said he had three to six months left to live. I don\u2019t know if it was the chemotherapy or his natural diet, but he has lived more than six months since his diagnosis. Some people suggest that my husband rely solely on a natural diet to cure his cancer while others recommend that he keep receiving chemotherapy treatment. What should I do?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
P: <\/strong>There is no right answer. Some people die despite adhering to the doctor's instructions while others die because they did not. Also, although some people who went to live close to nature in the mountains survived, others who did the same did not. As you can see it is impossible to determine what may be the best choice. If it\u2019s too hard to decide between the two, there is the option of continuing with chemotherapy while living somewhere close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she should let go of her desire for his complete recovery. She should just plan to do what she can while he is alive rather than obsess about a complete cure. If you think about it, the current treatment is already successful since her husband has lived past the 3 to 6 months the doctor had predicted. So, whether he survives only for a month or two more, she should think, \u201cAny amount of time my husband is alive hereafter is a bonus. I am so grateful that he is still alive. It will be alright even if he died next month, in 2 months or in 10 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the woman lives with such a positive mindset, both she and her husband are likely to be happy during the precious time left of his life. However, if her husband dies while she tries desperately to cure him, she will inevitably become miserable. She will blame herself for failing to find the right treatment for her husband despite her tireless efforts. They can move to a place close to nature in the mountains if her husband is agreeable to it. However, if she clings to the hope that he will live when he moves there or that he will live if he gets cancer treatment at the hospital, she will obsess over the outcome. It is better for the couple to consider their efforts a success given that the man has already lived longer than what the doctor had predicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is understandable that she wants to cure her husband at any cost, we must remember that we are not designed to live for eternity. We are all destined to die someday whether it be ten years, five years, or three years from today. If we measure success or failure by the number of years we live, we will be fraught with anxiety every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman\u2019s husband has already succeeded since he has survived past the 3 months that the doctor predicted. If the couple can regard each additional day the husband is able to live as a blessing, it is a success even if he dies tomorrow, a month from now, or a year later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the time being, the husband has overcome the limitations of his disease, so from now on, the woman should be happy even if he lives for just one more day, considering it as a bonus. Therefore, she shouldn\u2019t pray, \u201cBuddha, please save my husband,\u201d but instead pray, \u201cThank you Buddha. I am happy with things as they are. My husband is still alive thanks to your grace.\u201d She will be happy and free if she can be thankful about her situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing for a long life does not mean it will be granted. Besides, how long you live is unimportant. It is more important to live with peace of mind, even if you live for just one day. Perhaps, letting go of the desire to live a long life may help us be healthier and free of stress which may in fact enable us to live longer.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Life Hereafter Is A Bonus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"life-hereafter-is-a-bonus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-03-11 21:10:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-03-12 02:10:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=18151","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};
Home Tag cancer
cancer

Mindfulness
My Son, Declared Brain Dead, Passed Away And I Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer
August 13, 2024
62

Buddhism
Life Hereafter Is A Bonus
April 9, 2024
33

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