About
Mentality
Change of Mindset
A cancer survivor once told me that after surviving cancer, she couldn't sleep due to anxiety every day, and could only fall asleep with long-term reliance on sleeping pills. I believe that most people, after being diagnosed with cancer, feel death is close. If we want to overcome the fear of death, the first step is to change our mindset.
Letting go of attachments
The human body is an energy field, constantly flowing at all times. If we no longer dwell on the past and the future, but focus only on the present moment, any emotions can gradually flow and disappear.
Law of Attraction
When facing challenging health situations, I often call my friends who have experienced cancer to share my grievances. They always advise me not to dwell on what hasn’t happened and emphasize the power of the law of attraction, which follows the direction of our thoughts. It hit me like a wake-up call! The fundamental principle of the law of attraction is the force that brings what we desire closer to us, not through external demands. Ironically, striving for external desires can push them further away. People generally prefer to receive rather than be demanded from. So, how can we attract external things into our lives? It’s quite simple – by radiating our own abundance. In the context of dealing with cancer, this means envisioning oneself as “very healthy.”
Everyone appreciates beauty, humor, and optimism. No one likes someone who is pessimistic, complains, or wallows in self-pity. To maintain a “spiritually abundant” state, cultivate optimism, gratitude for what we have, and believe in everything we already possess.
Chinese genetic biologist Yin Ye once said: “Genes are all the same, but they can produce different results. When you are optimistic, the genes you express are happy. When you are pessimistic, the genes you express are depressed. Over time, you may become depressed or even withdrawn.” Therefore, he encourages people to believe in good things and maintain optimism at all times.
Different Perspectives
Often, we hear friends suggest that individuals diagnosed with cancer should recite scriptures to appease karmic debts and engage in acts of charity. However, the majority undertakes these actions for personal gain: hoping that reciting scriptures will ward off creditors, and charitable acts will increase their own merits. Now, consider this: Emperor Wu of Liang(梁武帝) built numerous temples, yet Bodhidharma claimed he had no “merits.” The answer is simple: the motivation behind your actions. If you recite scriptures, give to charity, or build temples for personal gain or to showcase your devotion, you are clinging to a self-centered perspective. You may accumulate transient “blessings” but not everlasting “merits.”
True “merit” lies in empathizing with others, sincerely understanding their genuine needs, and selflessly contributing. For instance, reciting scriptures for creditors with the wish for their wisdom and relief from suffering, or engaging in charity out of compassion for all sentient beings. In these altruistic acts, there is a “selfless perspective.” This mindset constitutes genuine merits because you willingly and actively address others’ concerns. Even if you recover from illness, you can persevere, as your actions are not for self-interest but a commitment to proactively solve problems. Human existence is meaningful when our focus extends beyond ourselves; otherwise, there’s little reason to survive if our perspective remains self-centered.
Amazing Grace
Buddhist/Taoist Case – Ren:
In 2019, diagnosed with stage III liver cancer, Ren experienced metastasis to the lungs and abdominal cavity in the latter half of 2021. AFP levels also surged to almost forty thousand, accompanied by 4000cc of abdominal ascites, resulting in a distended abdomen. Despite being thin as a rail and hiccupping every five minutes, Ren persisted in continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures. Seeking blessings remotely from spiritual teachers and organizing multiple temple ceremonies to resolve karmic obstacles, by the end of the same year, ascites almost disappeared, and AFP levels halved. Since February of the following year, Ren ceased chemotherapy, engaging in helping others recite scriptures, participating in scripture study groups, explaining the Heart Sutra, and continuously caring for fellow cancer patients. Regarding all beings as family, Ren prays for wisdom from Bodhisattva to guide more people.
Christian Case – Chen Zehuang(陳則煌):
In 2014, diagnosed with stage IV liver cancer that metastasized to the lungs, with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels soaring to nearly forty thousand, Chen Zehuang chose not to undergo mainstream medical treatment. After a month of prayer, repentance, and confession, with unrestricted eating, AFP levels halved. Over the next three months, the condition nearly completely healed, and a new lease on life was gained.
The Power of the Heart
Ever wondered why you haven’t heard of heart cancer? In reality, the heart is not prone to cancer. Firstly, unlike superficial organs such as the lungs or digestive organs, the heart is less susceptible to stimulation. Furthermore, the heart incessantly pumps blood in and out, creating a powerful flow that prevents cancer cells from lingering. From a romantic perspective, our hearts serve as our strongest support. As long as our hearts are robust, there’s nothing to fear.
Pay It Forward
When initially diagnosed with cancer, one is likely to feel bewildered and lost, thinking, “How could this happen to me? My family is quite healthy!” However, cancer is not only related to genetics but also intricately connected to individual dietary habits and lifestyle. A misstep in any of these aspects can lead to cancer. During this time, most friends around may not have experienced cancer, and the comfort or advice they provide might not be truly helpful. When facing cancer, it’s crucial not to isolate oneself and refrain from regretting the past. Quickly connect with different cancer communities through various channels such as Line groups, Facebook fan pages, etc. Every individual harbors a desire deep within to help others. It’s essential to actively seek advice from others, as many are willing to share their experiences generously! Their past experiences can bring solace to your heart, providing insight into what lies ahead. This dispels the fear, and the experiences of successful cancer battles can bring a positive and joyful impact!