[106] How Shingles Motivated Me To Be Mindful Of Buddha And Not Pain 带状疱疹如何激励我念佛不念痛

[106] How Shingles Motivated Me To Be Mindful Of Buddha And Not Pain
带状疱疹如何激励我念佛不念痛

I normally practise Niànfó (念佛) when taking the MRT (subway train) to my workplace. On 2 November 2023, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable at one spot on my back. During lunchbreak, when I asked a colleague to check it for me, she told me that it was just a small red patch. (Perhaps with Āmítuófó’s [阿弥陀佛] blessings lightening negative karma, Niànfó helped me to notice the problem when it was still small, to easier nip it in the bud before it worsened.)

Still feeling not comfortable, I went to consult my GP (family doctor) after work. His diagnosis was that it could be an allergy, giving me some cream to apply. As I rarely have allergy issues, I asked if it could be shingles. He replied that I should see him again if there are blisters or if it becomes more painful.

I continued my daily practice in the evening and on the way to work as usual the next day. On the morning of 4 November, I asked my helper to check and take a picture of the spot for me to see. There were a couple of blisters. Rushing to the GP, he confirmed that they were shingles. He then gave me antiviral medicine and cream, with five days of MC (medical leave).

I had to take the medicine five times a day after some food for six days. As I was told that shingles can be very painful, I felt scared. Thus, remembering the principle that fretting over physical pain can ‘aggravate’ it with mental anguish, I decided to practise mindfulness of Buddha (Niànfó) without mindfulness of pain (念佛不念痛). I practised more Niànfó especially on the first two days of MC as I could not go out. (It was a good opportunity to practise more, as if in a retreat, despite some discomfort, for increasing my confidence and skills.)

Throughout my shingles episode, I only felt hot and sometimes burning sensation on that spot. I am grateful that I only had to eat more meals and take medicine when I was sick. With Āmítuófó’s blessings that lessened pain and expedited healing, I also felt more calm and happy whenever I practised more Niànfó. With thanks to teacher Shi’an, for his sharings and reminders of how Niànfó can alleviate pain and suffering, it really worked for me!