#lumbar herniated disc #knee pain #trigger finger
Free of Pain, Full of Purpose
By shou ban, San Francisco
Translation by dan chi
I worked for Disney-ABC Television Group for 35 years, overseeing costume production. The frantic pace of my work life took a toll on my health. Severe chronic back pain became my long-term reality. For 20 years, I struggled to get out of bed. At times, the pain was so excruciating that I couldn’t get up.
Long-Term Pain
An MRI scan revealed that the L4-L5 segment of my lumbar was impinging on my nerves. I tried acupuncture treatment, but it provided little relief. The doctor suggested surgery as there was no other known cure. After seeing friends with similar back problems undergo unsuccessful surgeries, I decided against it.
To add to my woes, I suffered from severe knee pain for 17 years. I could not stand for long and walked with a limp. I had difficulty moving from sitting to standing without assistance. My doctor told me that the pain was caused by bone spurs. The only solution was to take calcium tablets and medication.
Chronic trigger finger was yet another of my painful problems. It plagued me for more than 20 years. I couldn’t straighten my fingers and the bones on my thumbs protruded. My doctor prescribed medication. Yet again, he suggested surgery. I rejected this idea.
I used to tire easily and had to take frequent naps. Now I’m full of energy and no longer need to nap.
Perseverance and Results
In February 2015 I came across a copy of Meditation & Health magazine. I was fascinated by the stories of people who had experienced dramatic turnarounds in their health through practicing meditation. Glimpsing a ray of hope, I went to San Francisco Bodhi Meditation Center. On that first day of practice, I fell completely in love with meditation.
On my second day at the center I started learning Energy Bagua. Initially, my leg pain tempted me to quit. Grandmaster JinBodhi’s words urged me on: “As long as you are persistent in your meditation practice, you will benefit.” Determined to improve my health, I went to the center every week from Monday to Friday to practice full prostration, Energy Bagua, The Meditation of Greater Illumination, and chanting. I spent an average of three hours a day on practice. I also participated in every retreat, getting healthier each time.
By August 2016, my back pain had been totally eliminated. Also, I could flex my fingers. My legs were stronger and felt much lighter. I could walk steadily and even dance. The dark sunspots on my hands were gone.
I used to tire easily and had to take frequent naps. Now I’m full of energy and no longer need to nap. In February 2017 I visited my nephews and nieces, whom I had not seen in four years. They were surprised at my vibrant appearance and commented on how young and healthy I looked.
Joyful Sense of Purpose
After retiring from my job, I often felt lost and empty. Although I loved gardening, reading and singing, my hobbies could not give me real happiness. I frequently wondered how I should live my life.
Bodhi Meditation brought me the fulfilment I was missing. To my delight, I am now living a more rewarding life than I ever thought possible. Not only do I practice daily, I am also a volunteer at the center. My life is now filled with a sense of purpose, as I help others and share my love with them. In doing so, I have found true happiness and great health. The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.
