Buddhism and Pain

Question:
Hi, I've asked this of Buddhist before but the asnwer is a little beyond me. I'm in constant physical pain, I've studied the 4 noble truths and realize life is suffering and I've come across the idea of patient endurance. How can I apply that in practical terms to my situation? Thanks for answering, anything you say can be helpful, Marc


Answer:
Dear Marc,
It may be the last thing you want to do, but try focusing on the pain itself. Examine it, observe it as it changes in intensity, become the pain if you will. This practice has helped me tremendously in the past with eye opening results. I do not know of any specific practices directed towards pain. Most teachers would probably say something similar..."just be with it, watch it" . Pain can be used as a good platform for meditation practice but requires a great deal of endurance and patience with sometimes very rewarding results.

There are actually many Buddhist teachers that suffer from chronic pain. Darlene Cohen is one of them. I personally haven't read much of her website, but it has a lot of articles about it. The Website is here: http://www.darlenecohen.net/welcome/way.html

Living with pain, not with suffering - Bhikkhu Bodhi also writes this out of personal experience, you might check it out. Website here - http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=6,4168,0,0,1,0

"Instead of running away from pain, try embracing it. Be the pain."
- Palzang

I hope this helps Marc, do not hesitate to ask any further questions. I wish you well in your practice.

Yours in Dhamma
JC Ball
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Tibetan Buddhist Retreats California

Question from Art of California, USA regarding retreats in the CA area.

Question: Hello there,
I hope you are doing well. I took a 3 month leave off of work due to overwork, burn-out and depression. I have been trying to find a spiritual path for some years now, but due to lack of time, have never had a chance to fully focus on it. Now that I have the time, I really want to take advantage of it, and I have a high interest in learning more about Tibetan Buddhism from an experienced teacher. I want to be full immersed in it, so I am looking for a week-long to multi-week type retreat, where I am staying at the facilities overnight and am under the guidance of an experienced teacher hopefully with knowledge of the original teachings. I live near San Francisco, CA, but I am willing to travel within the US, as long as the price is not too high.

Due you have any suggestions for where to go?
I tried the only Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the US (which is in Seattle, WA) however, the head Lama there is currently oversees so I need an alternative.

Any guidance would be very much appreciated.
Thank you for your help in advance!
Kind regards,
Art

Answer: Dear Art,

I do not personally hold a great deal of knowledge regarding Tibetan (Vajrayana) Monasticism or retreats in the US - California. However after relaying your question to a number of my Dharma friends I have come up with a number options you may consider. I hold no responsibility as to the 'quality' of the teacher or the establishments. On that note...

You are in luck as there is a retreat that starts tomorrow (13th) from November 13-22 with Geshe Tashi Tsering at the Vajrapani institute. Further details can be found on their website http://www.vajrapani.org/Site/courses_group_retreats.htm . Address and phone number below.

Vajrapani Institute
P.O. Box 2130
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-6654
http://www.vajrapani.org

Kadampa Buddhist Temple
Address: 3324 17th Street San Francisco CA 94110
Tradition: Vajrayana, New Kadampa Tradition Tibetan
Phone: (415) 503-1187
EMail: epc@kadampas.org

Tendai Jiko-ji Temple
Address: 504 Fayne Lane Redondo Beach CA 90277
Tradition: Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tendai
EMail: jion@tendai-lotus.org
Spiritual Director: Rev. Jion Prosser

White Conch Monastery & Dharma Center
Address: 33 Estrella Drive Santa Rosa CA 95403
Tradition: Vajrayana, Tibetan, Gelugpa
Phone: (707) 571-0321
EMail: cainfo@white-conch.org
Website: http://www.white-conch.org
Spiritual Director: Domo Geshe Rinpoche

I hope this helps, feel free to contact me again if you need any further help. Also check out the world Buddhist directory on Buddhanet here - World Buddhist Directory

Yours in Dharma
JC Ball
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