- Public Figure
- Public Figure
To all my friends,
I thought it was time that I gave you an update on my health. As you know, I have been recuperating and resting as much as possible since my operation last year. Two weeks ago, I went in to hospital and had a number of tests to determine what course of treatment I should follow from now on. The results of the tests were quite reassuring. However, the main concern from now on is that the cancer does not return, and deciding on which kind of treatment to have... has been a real challenge in itself, as I have had to weigh up a range of different sorts of advice and information.
For the time being, I have decided to forgo the option of chemotherapy and instead to follow Tibetan and Ayurvedic medical treatment. This concurs with divinations from several great masters, including His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, indicating that the best solution for me would be Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine combined.
In fact, for some time now, I have been receiving treatment from an exceptional Ayurvedic doctor, and I have really felt the benefit. Now, I am also being looked after by a remarkable Tibetan doctor, who has in the past helped certain lamas become clear of cancer. She is immensely thorough, collects the medical herbs and ingredients herself, and prepares medicine meticulously for each patient and their condition. At the same time, she is completely familiar with western medicine and procedures, and she relies not only on traditional methods of diagnosis, but also blood tests and the like. This is one of the reasons for her success. A number of lamas suggested that I should consult her. Along with this, I am also making changes to my diet, following the recommendation of nutritionists, eating medicinal fruits and a lot more vegetables.
However, above all the doctors have insisted that I must have an extended period of complete rest, and I need to follow their advice. It is clear to me that my health is still extremely fragile, and I need to take the greatest care. I notice, for example, how even the slightest disruption of a calm and quiet atmosphere can have a really upsetting effect on my stomach and digestion. Most important now will be to monitor very closely how things develop, and every six weeks my condition is going to be thoroughly checked. With the Tibetan doctor, every few months I will do a blood test. Naturally, I will also continue to seek the advice of the different masters.
I must say how grateful I am that all those who are looking after me are so vigilant in their care. As my health gradually improves, I look forward to being able to enter more fully into a period of deepening my practice, which is my dearest wish.
Finally, let me thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart, for all your messages and good wishes, and the prayers and practices you are dedicating to my health. I am very deeply touched and send you all my love.
Sogyal Rinpoche
"The master is like a great ship for beings to cross the perilous ocean of existence, an unerring captain who guides them to the dry land of liberation, a rain that extinguishes the fire of the passions, a bright sun and moon that dispel the darkness of ignorance, a firm ground that can bear the weight of both good and bad, a wish-fulfilling tree that bestows temporal happiness and ultimate bliss, a treasury of vast and deep instructions, a wish-fulfilling jewel granting all ...the qualities of realization, a father and a mother giving their love equally to all sentient beings, a great river of compassion, a mountain rising above worldly concerns unshaken by the winds of emotions, and a great cloud filled with rain to soothe the torments of the passions.
“In brief, he is the equal of all the buddhas. To make any connection with him, whether through seeing him, hearing his voice, remembering him, or being touched by his hand, will lead us toward liberation. To have full confidence in him is the sure way to progress toward enlightenment. The warmth of his wisdom and compassion will melt the core of our being and release the gold of the buddha-nature within.”
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
