Modern Buddhist Healing: A Spiritual Strategy for Transforming Pain, Dis-Ease, and Death [Paperback]

Charles Atkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2002

In 1987 Charles Atkins was struck with Hodgkin's disease and underwent the ravages of chemotherapy. Throughout his illness he used his Buddhist training and the power of the mantra nam-myoho-renge-kyo to carry him through the cancer treatments and allay his fears of death and doubts for recovery. During his stays in the hospital, he took every possible opportunity to comfort other cancer patients. His survival inspired him to share the healing techniques he has learned with others. In this book, Atkins introduces us to the Buddhist master Nichiren (1222-1281) and the healing teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha as laid out in the Lotus Sutra. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is an old mantra that has accumulated a great deal of power from centuries of countless individuals focusing their highest intents while chanting it. He explains how nam-myoho-renge-kyo can be used to "undo" karma that has damaged our health. Methods for chanting while visualizing abound in this book. His example, along with that of many others struggling with diseases as diverse as fibromyalgia, diabetic ulcers, high blood pressure, and mental illness, provides a beacon of hope for those facing illness. Atkins's book shows that with hope, faith, and prayer nothing is impossible.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1987, at age 36, Atkins was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin's disease, a life-threatening, virulent cancer. This book is his manual for how prayer, particularly meditation and chant, can ameliorate physical conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, diabetic ulcers and even coma. It is also a compelling chronicle of Atkins's own saga and near-death vision. Atkins, though, is no health renegade. He straightaway, repeatedly and responsibly advises "get the best medical treatment available. Proper diagnosis from a qualified physician is the first and foremost step." Atkins also quickly details, however, that individuals can use healing dimensions to complement traditional Western-style medicine. For him the Buddhist Lotus Sutra's mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," advanced by 13th-century Japanese master Nichiren Daishonin, is an extraordinarily powerful tool, especially when supplemented by healing visualizations. Simply, this mantra enables immediate access to our already enlightened nature and is directly applicable to specific regions of the body. To build a proper foundation for this approach, Atkins furnishes a clear explanation of karma with a reach broader than popular, simple notions. Making powerful links to other traditions by equating the Holy Spirit, prana, chi, kundalini and life force, Atkins also notes that such chanting does not conflict with other religious practices. By no means a book just for Buddhists, at best this work can empower anyone who is ill and suffering, for it champions chanting and meditation as forms of prayer. As Atkins observes, "All may enter with a prayer; no one is denied access."
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Charles Atkins studied and practiced magic, divination, and Eastern religions in the 60s and 70s and then began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 1974 with Soka Gakkai. He has been a professional writer on mysticism, healing, and business since 1970.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Nicolas-Hays (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892540621
• ISBN-13: 978-0892540624
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #836,055 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars oh yeah, that's the spot, October 29, 2002

By 

"tsa-74" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Buddhist Healing: A Spiritual Strategy for Transforming Pain, Dis-Ease, and Death (Paperback)

This is IT
I recently just happened to be in a bookstore recently when Mr. Atkins was there discussing his book and experiences. I always have my "BS meter" on full alert...suffice to say that this book is not religious froo-froo or dogmatic salesmanship. The principles that he teaches here make sense for anyone and apparently work too. I'm impressed. If you buy it, Modern Buddhist Healing can change your life for the better on every level.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Power Within, August 6, 2002

By 

Brooke DiBello (Urbana, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Buddhist Healing: A Spiritual Strategy for Transforming Pain, Dis-Ease, and Death (Paperback)

As a master's level clinical psychology student, I appreciate this book on several levels. I was fairly unfamiliar with Buddhism before reading this book, in part because of the anticipated complexity of the subject. To my surprise, I discovered Atkins had written a book comprehensible to those new to Buddhism. For those with a knowledge of Buddhism already, it provides much more insight into the topic. The connections to psychology and therapy are too vast to detail. As a therapist, you are simply a faciliator for the client in his quest to learn more about himself, very similarly to Buddhism. Through sharing his experience, Atkins proves the great power we each obtain through our minds and faith in healing.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A cure for your pain., March 31, 2003

By 

s.rouvray (London, England.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Buddhist Healing: A Spiritual Strategy for Transforming Pain, Dis-Ease, and Death (Paperback)

After reading the book 'Modern Buddhist Healing' by Charles Atkins I lent it to a friend who has suffered from illness for many years and tried all sorts of therapy. She is already feeling the power of the healing recommended in the book. It is an honest, clear account of how anyone can change their lives and free themselves from disease, this is not a crank book as the method Mr Atkins uses really works. He even cites his own account of how he freed himself from a life threatening illness. It is a book to keep by your bedside and read over and over.