You are here:
- Home
- Homework Help
- Buddhism
- Buddhists
- practice and meditation
Buddhists/practice and meditation
Advertisement
Question
I have several chronic illnesses, including Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. Lately, I have been in a flare and it has been almost impossible for me to do my complete practice, and especially to focus in meditation. I am having guilt problems, stemming from my prior religious training (I am a new Buddhist), and feel that I am losing touch. I can only do part of my practice and can meditate for only a few minutes. I have been dedicating these difficulties for all sentient beings, and am just holding on until I can function better. My intention is there, but not much else.
Can you give me any enlightenment about handling this, from the Buddhist perspective? I cannot attend teachings, except very rarely, and am pretty much on my own. Thank you.
Hi Terry,
You have got a heavy burden at the moment, haven't you?
I can only pass on what I have often heard lamas that I respect answering similar questions say. In the cases I have heard, the problems have ranged in intensity from simply having an intense load of obligations through to being not far off death. The tone of the answers has nevertheless been similar: do what you can, don't beat yourself up about it, and remember that motivation is the most important thing - if you have insuperable obstacles, don't waste your energy wishing you could overcome them. Do the best you can - it's all anyone can ask.
Does that help at all?
All the best
Alex W
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Dear Alex, Thank you very much for answering so quickly and so clearly. Even though what you told me is what I would have told another person, it really helps to hear it from someone else. I tend to have strict, and sometimes unreasonable, expectations of myself, and that is probably a big part of my problem. Thanks, again. Please continue in your good work. With gratitude and blessings. Terry | ||
Related Articles
- Practicing Focused Meditation: How To Clear Your Mind With Focus
- Understanding Fibromyalgia - Get Help Understanding Fibromyalgia
- Depression in Fibromyalgia - Dealing With Depression in Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Buddhism and Psychotherapy - Buddhism
- Worship and Practices - World Religions
Answers by Expert:
Alex Wilding
Expertise
I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.
Experience
I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice.
I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.
Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.