Practices for Breast Cancer

Student's Letter to FPMT Office

Dearest Lisa,
I regret to say that I have been in hospital for the last two weeks, thus unable to be actively involved in the work of the center. With the Ven. Geshe’s visit approaching it has been quite distressing, since I considered this to be a very important first task as a director. Luckily there has been a good support from the SPC and others.

Unfortunately, the situation with my health seems to be quite serious. Last year I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor (while breastfeeding my 10-month-old baby), and had a treatment for it all summer. Everything seemed to go perfectly. But now the back pain I thought was due to an injury seems to be from the cancer cell metastasis in my back. I am back home now trying to stabilize my health after one chemotherapy treatment, lots of injections, and everything that the hospital comes up with. I am trying to keep my spirits up. I meditate as much as I can, even though it’s hard to sit still. I also recite Medicine Buddha short mantra, and I have been reading and writing the Long-life Sutra for some time. My friend recommended that, if possible, I should try to seek advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche as to what would be the best to do in this situation. I would appreciate it very very much.

PS. The time in hospital was such an interesting lesson for me in compassion, samsara, and pain. It really was.

Rinpoche’s response

Dear Joan,
I was able to check regarding your health, and I advise the following:

1. Recite Black Manjrushri mantra.
2. Have the puja performed called she-nyin du-dög. I will arrange for this to be done for you as soon as possible.
3. Recite the mantra pacifying all the sicknesses 18 times a day.
4. Drink Palden Lhamo lake water (water from Lhamo Lhatso lake in Tibet). This may be very hard to find; maybe your friend might know how to get it.
5. Take these precious pills (Tibetan medicine):
              a) Moon Crystal: Two pills
              b) Rinchen mang-jor: Five pills
   Take one pill every three days. I can send you these precious pills if you are unable to get them. If that is the case, please send me your postal address.
    
6. Liberate animals equaling the number of your age. Use the practice that I have put together on how to liberate animals. 
7. Print 100 copies of the Long-life Sutra (print it on yellow paper). After you have printed them keep them on your altar and later they can go inside a stupa.

I am also making prayers for you and also the Sangha in my house are making prayers for you. Please continue with the practices you are already doing.