Challenges: severe back pain, abdominal hernia,
lump on the back and in the lymph node
Releasing 40 Years of Pain
By Clark Erich Jahn, Canada
It was beyond my wildest dreams that at the end of the retreat, I no longer experienced any symptoms associated with abdominal hernia.
For more than 40 years I lived with constant back pain. Before I began practicing at Bodhi Meditation, my life was spent battling severe pain. On a scale of one to 10, my pain level was between eight and 10. Stiff and unable to carry heavy objects, I experienced poor quality of life.
Chronic Back Pain
My back pain was traceable to a childhood injury. At the time of the accident, my doctor failed to diagnose the spinal injury. My spine began hurting when I was 10, but my family and doctors told me that the pain was caused by rapid physical growth. The back pain persisted and became increasingly serious. For more than 40 years I had to bend when I walked. I was prescribed painkillers but would only take them when the pain was unbearable. Later on, I sought alternative medicine in the form of natural plant-based painkillers. Nothing I tried could treat the root cause of my condition.
My skin is smoother; some wrinkles have disappeared. Colleagues and friends exclaimed that I look 10 years younger. They often joke that I have to slow down my pace otherwise they can’t catch up with me.
Answered Prayers
In April 2017 I was encouraged by a friend to participate in the 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat. On the first day, I had to sit on a cushion as I practiced The Meditation of Greater Illumination. On the third day I managed to stand and complete one round of practice.
On the fifth day, the extreme pain in my back forced me to lie down on the cushions. I prayed repeatedly to Grandmaster JinBodhi for help and blessings. Soon, I felt a tingling sensation on my back. It was as if a finger were pressing and massaging my back gently. This lasted for about 20 seconds. When the music of The Meditation of Greater Illumination ended, I stood up. I was in for an unbelievable surprise — I did not feel a single twinge of pain. Since the retreat, my pain index remains at 0.
Standing on both feet for more than five minutes used to be a difficult task. I would have to lift one foot up and lean against something for support. Lumbar spondylolisthesis (slipping of vertebra) might occur if both feet were flat on the ground, which would then lead to excruciating pain. Now I can stand much longer than five minutes, my back is straight, and I am able to lift heavy objects. No longer do I require painkillers.
About three months prior to attending the retreat, I suffered from an abdominal hernia. There was a constant feeling of heaviness in my abdomen and I was in extreme discomfort. Bending down as I walked due to my back pain and holding my stomach at the same time,I looked — as you can probably imagine — awful. But I was hesitant to undergo a hernia operation. It was beyond my wildest dreams that at the end of the retreat, I no longer experienced any symptoms associated with abdominal hernia.
There were further stunning changes in my condition. I’d long had a growth, about three centimeters in diameter, very near to my spine. There was also a bigger lump in the lymph node of my right armpit. My father died of lymphoma so I was naturally worried that I might suffer the same illness. Both lumps had been with me for more than 40 years. To my astonishment, at the end of the retreat, the lumps were gone.
Sharing My Journey
I went on to participate in a Bodhi Meditation Chanting Retreat. Now whenever possible
I attend group practices. My mental and physical health have greatly improved. My skin is smoother; some wrinkles have disappeared. Colleagues and friends have exclaimed that I look 10 years younger. They often joke that I have to slow down my pace otherwise they can’t catch up with me.
I am deeply grateful to Grandmaster JinBodhi and Bodhi Meditation for the turnaround in my life. I am volunteering my time to distribute issues of Meditation & Health magazine in addition to serving as a care leader during retreats.
I want to share Master’s compassionate wish with more people. Helping others is what motivates me. During retreats I share my recovery journey with participants. I sincerely hope that more people can regain their health and happiness as I have.
Bodhi Meditation is my second home. At the meditation center, I am embraced with genuine family warmth. My gratitude is boundless.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.
