Navigating Death and Illness

Navigating Death and Illness

Author: SGI-USA July 17, 2021 Duration: 54:18

Today we are addressing how to navigate the loss of a loved one or support them through serious illness. While everyone's experience and circumstances are different, our guest, Jonathan Teran, shares his family's story, and the takeaways feel truly universal.           


In August 2020, Jonathan lost his father to pulmonary fibrosis, and today he shares how his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the journey, from finding him care, to supporting him during hospice, to dealing with the grief that came afterward.


On top of all of this, his father’s battle took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, all while Jonathan himself was in his first few months as a resident physician.



CHEAT SHEET


1:30 How Jonathan started practicing Buddhism

4:16 Why he decided to pursue a career in medicine

10:29 His father's battle with illness

17:30 How his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the experience

24:15 What they learned by studying Buddhism together

30:04 What his darker moments felt like and how chanting helped

35:06 How he is navigating grief

38:52 The impact it had on his work as a doctor

45:54 How chanting can help you bring out your best self

49:42 What his dream is for the future

51:38 Advice for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one


It’s easy to lose sight of our own strength when life gets complicated, but what if that inherent clarity and capability never actually left? Buddhability explores that very idea through the lived experiences of everyday people. Host Cassidy Bradford guides genuine conversations with a community of practicing Buddhists from SGI-USA, who share how they navigate real-world challenges. You’ll hear personal stories that touch on everything from mental resilience and physical well-being to navigating career shifts and personal relationships. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s a practical look at applying Buddhist principles to uncover a more confident and compassionate way of living. Each episode of the podcast feels like a thoughtful dialogue, focusing on how to reconnect with that inner resourcefulness-your Buddhability-amidst the stress and clutter of modern life. The discussions are grounded in the belief that enlightenment isn’t a distant goal, but a potential we can all access right now to improve our own lives and positively impact the world around us. Tune in for honest reflections and discover how this perspective can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
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