Lotus in the Fire: The Healing Power of Zen

In 1995, Jim Bedard, a martial artist and Zen student, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and given ten days to live. This is the story of how he used his spiritual strength to bring himself into full contact with a death sentence as well as with painful medical treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. It is also the inspiring story of how the faith of his family, Zen teacher, close friends, and the Buddhist community helped him.

Bedard's story introduces us to Zen practices that can help us cope with emotional turmoil and physical pain. His words on compassion, on karma, on gratitude, on impermanence and the inevitability of death--all from a nonsmoking, meditating, aerobically fit vegetarian who became suddenly and terminally ill--are inspiring and sometimes funny. He explores, too, the fundamental question of suffering, its cause, and how the teachings of karma can help us accept illness, ultimately using it as an opportunity to deepen our spiritual lives.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 02/09/1999
ISBN: 9781570624308
Pages: 208
Weight: 0.59lbs
Size: 8.47h x 5.50w x 0.62d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 01/25/1999 pg. 81
Library Journal 03/01/1999 pg. 90
Library Journal Supplements 05/01/1999 pg. 22