When we are sick, our suffering is not just physical—it affects our mind, emotions, and spirit. As a Buddhist, I have faced this challenge personally. Last year, I underwent surgery to remove my spleen (ผ่าตัดม้ามออก – pàa-dtàd mâam òrg) and have been dealing with hiatal hernia (ไส้เลื่อนกระบังลม – sâi-lêuan grà-bang-lom), which continues to cause discomfort. Through this experience, I have encountered many different emotions, but my Buddhist practice, especially meditation, has helped me navigate the pain and suffering.
The Emotional Impact of Chronic Pain
Suffering and Frustration
When physical pain becomes a daily reality, it is easy to feel ทรมาน (tor-ra-maan) – tortured, or หงุดหงิด (ngùd-ngìd) – irritated. The discomfort from my hiatal hernia often makes eating and sleeping difficult, adding to the frustration.
Fear and Anxiety
After my spleen removal, I worried about my health and how my body would adjust. I often felt กังวล (gang-won) – anxious, or กลัว (glua) – scared about complications.
Sadness and Loneliness
Dealing with long-term pain can make one feel เศร้า (sâo) – sad, or เหงา (ngǎo) – lonely, especially when I couldn’t participate in social activities like before.
Acceptance and Peace
Over time, through Buddhist teachings, I began to shift my mindset. Instead of resisting pain, I started to accept it as part of my human experience. This brought a sense of สงบ (sà-ngòb) – peace and ปล่อยวาง (bplòi waang) – letting go.
How Meditation Helps with Pain and Mental Health
- It Helps Me Calm Down – ทำให้ใจเย็นลง (tam-hâi jai yen long)
When pain becomes overwhelming, I use meditation to return to my breath. This helps slow down my racing thoughts and brings a sense of calmness, allowing me to respond to pain with patience rather than frustration. - It Makes Me More Conscious – ทำให้มีสติมากขึ้น (tam-hâi mee sà-dtì mâak kêun)
Meditation helps me become more aware of my thoughts and emotions instead of letting pain control my mind. It teaches me to observe my suffering without being consumed by it. - It Helps Me See the Truth of Life – ทำให้เห็นความจริงของชีวิต (tam-hâi hěn kwaam-jing kǒrng chee-wíd)
Through meditation, I understand that the nature of life includes ความทุกข์ของร่างกาย (kwaam-túg kǒrng râang-gaay) – the sorrow of the body. The body is impermanent, and suffering is a part of existence. Accepting this truth reduces my resistance to pain. - It Helps Me Understand the Mind More – ทำให้เข้าใจจิตมากขึ้น (tam-hâi kâo-jai jìd mâag kêun) Meditation allows me to observe my mind deeply. I see how my thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are all connected. This understanding helps me detach from suffering and find inner peace.
My Journey of health issue Continues
Right now, I am still in the process of treatment, and I may have to undergo another surgery for my hiatal hernia (ไส้เลื่อนกระบังลม – sâi-lêuan grà-bang-lom). This journey is not easy, but I continue to rely on my Buddhist practice to help me face each moment with acceptance and strength.
After my recovery, I wish to share more of my knowledge about Buddhist practices and the Thai language to help others who are interested in learning. Both of these subjects have been important parts of my life, and I hope they can benefit others as well.
I sincerely thank you all for your support and encouragement. Your kindness gives me strength during this difficult time. Please continue to follow my journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
ขอบคุณมาก (kòb kun mâak) – Thank you so much. 🙏