Jain Spirit 2004 10 No 20

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 65

YOUTH 63
Preventing Cancer
KAVIT HARIA REFLECTS ON THE VIRTUES OF A JAIN LIFESTYLE
Photo by James Maturin-Baird
Can vegetables be the secret weapon in the battle against the big C.
Cancer can be fatal and affects many people in the world today, with the most common cause being tobacco. With cancer becoming increasingly widespread and serious, I began thinking about how Jain dharma could change the way we think about it.
ccording to Jain dharma, YOU are your true self-the soul
(atma), not the body. When one is diagnosed with cancer, it is the body that is affected, not the soul. The soul is eternal and cannot be affected by the diseases of the body. Everything we experience in our lives is linked to the karma that we have accumulated through our past actions - and this applies to any illness that we might face. We cannot change our past actions, but we can choose how we respond to any given situation and thus influence our future. When cancer is first diagnosed in a person, often the first fearful thought that most people have is "Am I going to die?" It may seem like they are zoning out, but eventually the reality of their situation will sink in and will usually shock them into some sort of action. The action may be positive or negative and can be the beginning of the future path that is followed by that person. In order to prolong this human life, Jain dharma enlightens us with many useful
tools. The first obvious tool is vegetarianism. Why do people make a big deal out of being a vegetarian? What are the benefits? More and more doctors throughout the world are concluding that those who eat a high fibre, plant-based diet generally consume less cholesterol and fat, and are less likely to be victims a of heart attack, cancer, high blood pressure, hypertension, and other similar diseases. Even in one's senior years, health and clarity of mind can be enjoyed when the body is nourished with pure and bloodless food. These results are the rule, not the exception. If we live properly, respecting the body's need for enough water, rest, fresh air, and exercise, and if we tune into which foods are best assimilated and most nutritious for us, we can remain healthy and energetic till our last days. By living in vitality and reverence, and treating our bodies as we would a temple, harmony and wellbeing will inevitably radiate. The right nutrition brings not only physical health, but mental, emotional and spiritual health as well. The well known Jain teacher Chitrabhanuji said, "Whatever we eat permeates in all our cells, including the brain cells. If the body is sustained by flesh, which retains the vibrations of fear and terror from the moments of slaughter, how can one have serene and clear feelings of peace of mind? How can we develop a tender and compassionate heart if we are indifferent to the spilling of blood?" Not many people would make themselves sick or choose to be sick, but the mind has a natural curiosity about the limits of life, This brings us to the second tool that Jain dharma has to offer - meditation (dhyana). To keep the mind engaged in one thought continuously or to concentrate the mind only on one thing or thought is called meditation. Meditation is a discipline that works on many levels to help calm our human self and to allow the spirit to give us insights that are needed to
maintain a positive attitude, which is necessary in the process of healing and overcoming cancer. Meditation, with conscious breathing, can accelerate the purification of your body by carrying toxins out of your body through more effective exhalation. Having fewer toxins in your body means there is less chance of being diagnosed with any disease. Focusing on your true identity, the soul, instead of focusing on the physical body, you will begin to see and feel the real YOU and not what the body perceives you to be. When your body dies, it is the soul that will carry on and move into another life form. YOU will be the same identity internally and will not be harmed by the deadly cancer or any other disease. The body you have is only temporary and will only last this lifetime, but the soul is permanent, eternal and will carry on through many lifetimes. Many cancer patients find that spiritual beliefs and practices help them cope very well with their disease. Using the tools of Jain dharma helps to promote a positive mental attitude that can significantly aid the patient's healing process. Spiritual wellbeing is often rightly associated with improving the quality of an individual's life by reducing her/his anxiety, depression, discomfort and sense of isolation. It also provides an increased ability to enjoy life even during difficult phases such as periods of cancer treatment, and promotes a feeling of personal growth as a result of living with cancer.
Kavit M Haria is an A level student in London. He was recently awarded with the Young Jain of the Year Award for his services to the community as an active volunteer with Young Jains UK. For more information, visit www.kavithario.com