Personal experiences of wellbeing in the Order
Order members living with neurological degenerative diseases
In this series of interviews, Order members speak with Mahasraddha about the challenges they face with the experience of living with a specific neuro-degenerative disease. Given the ageing demographic of the Order, we can expect to see an increase in the number of Order members developing a neurological degenerative disease, or their partners or parents doing so.
Viriyagita on practicing with Parkinson’s Disease
The following interview with Viriyagita, based in the US, forms part of our series of recorded conversations in which Order members speak about a particular degenerative neurological condition, how they practice with the condition and the support they need.
Viriyagita has Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Just prior to the interview, Viriyagita wasn’t sure whether she would be under-medicated and therefore stiff and slow, or whether she would over-medicated with uncontrolled involuntary muscle movements. Viriyagita started the interview with some stiffness and continued with increased involuntary movements, but she was not in a distressed state. In Viriyagita’s words: ‘I can just do my best and can only work on my state of mind, and be aware that I am connected to all beings and wish them all well’.
I would like to express my thanks to Viriyagita, and to all those who have taken part in this series to date: I have been given new perspectives, especially of metta, that I have taken into Dharma practice.
The joy of mindfulness while living with Motor Neurone Disease
Miles, a mitra who has asked for ordination and living in Worcester talks to Mahasraddha about how being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MDN) impacts on his experience of going for refuge in the context of Triratna and how it has led to him going deeper in his practice. He talks of the pleasure he derives from mindfulness and says of the mindfulness of breathing, ‘ As long as I’m still breathing I can still practice the mindfullness of breathing and it gives me such a connection to being alive …’
Living with PAF - An interview with Dayachitta
This interview with Dayachitta continues our series of talking to Order members about living with a neurological disease. In this video, Dayachitta, who was ordained in 1990 and currently lives in Cambridge, describes the rare condition that she has, PAF (pure autonomic failure). She explains to Mahasraddha some of the effects this has on her life and Dharma practice. She also suggests practical ways that people might be able to help, especially on retreats.
Living with MS - Interview with Buddhaseveka
In this interview Buddhasevaka, who has a progressive Multiple Sclerosis, speaks about the challenges he faces, and how he practices the dharma in the context of his condition and, crucially, the support he finds helpful.
A fascinating interview with Vilasini
Vilasini talks to Mahasraddha about how dementia has impacted her life and practice of the Dharma. She explains how she is not only living with dementia but how she has managed to reverse some of the symptoms through her practice, and stresses the importance of patience.