Lu Yilin’s Meditation Journal
At the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, boxing legend Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic flame with his trembling hand. Many people remember the moment because it showed a symptom of his Parkinson’s disease. Many celebrities are familiar with Parkinson’s, including four-time Oscar-winning Actress Kathleen Hepburn, Taiwan musician Lee Tai-Hsiang, Chinese literary giant Ba Jin, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, Canadian-born actor Michael J. Fox.
As of 2017, nearly 5 million people worldwide suffered from Parkinson’s, and the number continues to grow. Parkinson’s disease has become the third leading killer of the elderly, after cancer and heart disease. There is no cure.
Lu Yilin, from Malaysia, was a manager in an American company before he retired. In January 2011, he developed Parkinson’s disease. He suffered from general weakness, muscle pain, dizziness and uncontrollable shaking, which, coupled with extreme depression, made him often want to end his life. He often thought, “I used to be such a useful person, but now I am disabled and useless, so why waste my resources? I’d rather go with dignity.” His wife had no choice but to say with distress and anger, “If you really want to die, do it outside, not at home, don’t frighten me to death.”
For six years, he spent a lot of money on doctors. He took deer placenta supplements, used health products, and even wore infrared and anion clothes, but to no avail.
In August 2016, he heard about Zhou Shen, a patient with Parkinson’s disease, who had improved by practicing Bodhi Meditation and was planning to run a marathon! Upon hearing this news, he immediately sought out Bodhi Meditation and began practicing.
For the next year, he participated in seven Bodhi Meditation retreats, including a level 2 retreat. Incredible changes took place. His depression disappeared and he was even able to dance a quick step. With a deep sense of gratitude, he made a vow: If Parkinson’s disease disappeared tomorrow, he would be willing to bear the pain of all Parkinson’s patients. He now helps and encourages Parkinson’s patients by gathering with them to meditate and share meditation stories, thereby supporting and witnessing their journey together.
He is deeply grateful to Grandmaster JinBodhi for teaching a method of meditation that can help countless people find relief from Parkinson’s and regain health and happiness!