Sweetness, joy, health, happiness, love… These words perfectly describe this family. However, if we could journey back in time, we’d see a different picture. What happened to this family of five? What infused their family with love and joy? Let’s listen to their story.
My problem, of course, is my bad temper. But my main suffering is my leg. That is my main problem. The issue stems from my knee. I was going to have surgery, but my wife told me to try Energy Bagua instead.
My daughters have a skin problem. Also, the way they speak isn’t very gentle.
All three of us had skin allergies since childhood and suffered itchiness. Especially on our hands, feet, and the joints. Every evening I would scratch all night, so when I got up in the morning, there were bloodstains on my sheets.
I can’t walk well…. I can’t walk like ordinary people. I have to crouch a little bit when I walk.
Actually, we also have that (itchiness) on our necks. When we were in high school, our school uniform was short-sleeved, so my arms were exposed. Also, the skirt wasn’t long enough to cover my knees.
My two elder sisters always quarreled with each other and I was the peacemaker, like the Amitabha Buddha between them. Whenever my sisters were arguing I would support one of them, fighting against the other sister. After that, I would go back to getting along with her.
My eldest sister used to be… maybe I should say fierce, and she always ignored us, paying no attention to us. For example, when she was going out to eat with friends we would ask her to take us along. She would say, “Go by yourself, or ask Dad to take you!”
One day, she was going out. My second daughter and I were in the car, and she asked “Sis, can I tag along?” My eldest daughter turned around, staring at her sister with a fierce look. I worried when Dad got mad and started to yell. I had to tell him to stay calm when they were arguing. When their father shouts in anger, my middle daughter would be the saddest. Sometimes I would tell them, when they were arguing in their room, that even the neighbors on the street could hear them.
Yes, that is our mother.
I got “Meditation & Health” at Pangkor Island. There were only two left at that time. It was free so I asked for a copy (from the receptionist). I really liked it. I then asked him to take me to PJ (Petaling Jaya center). He refused because of the bad traffic. But in the end, he took me there, 3 years later.
Because I was English educated, I was worried about staying in “groups,” as it is typical in Chinese schools. You are not allowed to do this or that, and there are lots of rules to be obeyed. When I am in the Bodhi Meditation Center, I feel free, and all people are close to each other. Even though they are from different centers, they shared joyfully about their experiences, which creates a good atmosphere. After attending the 8.5-day retreat and listening to the health benefits, I knew how good it is. Seriously, every morning I go to practice Energy Bagua.
Before, when I went to sleep, my feet would be so painful. I couldn’t straighten my feet. I had to bend them a little bit, or put a pillow under my knees. I could neither completely bend nor straighten, and I could always feel some pain in my feet. But now I am much better. When I walked, I needed to bend, because I couldn’t put too much weight on my feet. I am really much better now. I have benefited a lot!
My daughters have changed; my husband is less cranky now, and I am more easygoing too. I am not totally calm yet, but I am improving. Before, I needed to see my doctor at least once or twice a month. But during my first year at Bodhi Meditation, I realized that I only saw my doctor once.
I used to be very outgoing. But I became introverted when rashes appeared on my face. I started to avoid people, even the ones I knew, including cousins and other relatives.
No matter what we were talking about, she would never join us. And whenever there were friends around, she always felt that she was in her own world. Now it is better. She takes the initiative and talks to me. For example, when I was doing my homework, she suddenly appeared, pulled up a chair and started talking. I was really surprised. Sometimes my eldest sister comes too, and the 3 of us talk and talk.
Before, rarely would she come to our room. If we went to her room, she would scold us: “Why do you come in here?” Her expression would be like this, and she would say, “What makes you come in?” Seriously, we would get scolded for sure.
Apart from being physically healthier, our family became warmer and sweeter.
Before recording this, the three daughters made a short film clip of their parents.
Sometimes I take my parents out for breakfast or drive my mom to the meditation center. When I look at their backs, I realize they are getting old. I used to think my mom was blindly helping others and neglecting us. But after joining her, I realized that those people really needed my mom’s care. I too have a responsibility to help others.
Mom used to think she was always right. She would yell at us without listening to us. Now she is more easygoing. She is more of a nurturing mother now.
We lacked maturity, so we didn’t walk in their shoes; we just complained. We didn’t understand them. She was always nagging; I felt more like fighting. As soon as I entered her room, we would start arguing. Then I would return to my room feeling upset. I knew it wasn’t right, but I couldn’t control my temper. I just wanted to talk back to her. It was hard for her too.
Father had to support the whole family. He worked hard to support us, but he had never shared his feelings with us. I am glad that after joining Bodhi, my parents can finally relax. Dad, you are great! Mommy, Daddy, I am sorry for what I did, like yelling at you and being impolite.
Mom and Dad, I am sorry for my childishness. I might have hurt your feelings, but I didn’t mean to. I hope you can be healthy and always be happy. Thank you. I love you!
Daddy, Mommy, I feel very grateful that I was born into this family. Daddy, Mommy, I love you! Daddy, Mommy, love you!
Dad, please say something. It is family time now.
The family has changed for the better. This is very touching. Bodhi Meditation and Grandmaster have brought us all the changes to be a better family. I am very thankful! Yes indeed, I am deeply grateful. I listen to Grandmaster’s teachings all the time. If a simple person like me can understand, it is a piece of cake for the highly educated people. I feel fortunate. I can’t thank Grandmaster enough. If not for watching, listening and trying to understand Grandmaster’s teachings all the time, these changes wouldn’t have happened.
I am grateful to my parents for bringing Bodhi Meditation into our family. Thank you for bringing Bodhi Meditation home. I hope that through more dharma brothers and sisters’ testimonials, more people can be helped, just as we have benefited from Bodhi!
