Entertaining Cancer

I read this book in one sitting! It is very amusing for such a fearful subject and demystifying in its impact. Devamitra captured it optically in one's mind and poetically, 'Life is gossamer at the mercy of shifting winds.' It has real whimsical charm. I hope it is read by many, especially men. - Corrine Bougaard, Founder, Artistic Director and Producer, Union Dance; Devamitra has written a compelling book about his cancer journey that straddles a wide range of emotions: gruelling, funny, poignant and uplifting. As a reader you are drawn into his world as he undergoes particularly challenging cancer treatment, whilst always maintaining a uniquely wry, even amused, perspective on life and death. All the way through he reflects on what Buddhism has to offer his predicament, and clearly the strength of his practice helps him to not only navigate this journey with character, but to emerge enriched. The timeless teachings of the Buddha are truly tested in the fires of his experience, and the confidence and faith he finds in these teachings can inspire confidence and faith in all of us. - Vidyamala Burch, co-founder of Breathworks, author of Living Well with Pain and Illness and Mindfulness for Health; Entertaining Cancer: The Buddhist Way is a remarkable book - honest, lucid, unflinching, funny and radical in its willingness to confront the facts of life and death. Devamitra's book tells the story of prostate cancer, and how his Buddhist practice met the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, even how cancer led to the deepening of his Buddhist practice and his love of life. Entertaining Cancer: The Buddhist Way is not just for those struggling with illness or the fear of death; anyone interested in how Buddhism can help us live with courage, wit and generosity will find answers in this book. - Maitreyabandhu, author of Life with Full Attention and The Journey and the Guide; Devamitra, a senior member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, provides a very entertaining memoir on his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is an acutely observed and often painful account of a long ordeal, yet one liberally laced with wit and irony, gratitude and compassion. He writes fluidly and candidly, revealing the frustrations, joys and contradictions of modern health care, with pithy and amusing sketches of the situations and personalities he encounters. Although the subject is serious, he writes with a light touch and always warmly. Many changeable thoughts and feelings come with the almost uncountable succession of ills afforded by the treatment, in stark contrast with the trivial presenting symptom of his cancer. The narrative flows easily, revealing almost incidentally to this reader, how life is on the 'other side' of the consulting desk; the interminable hours in the chemotherapy suite, holding a tight bladder under the 'Saturn' or 'Mars' radiation unit; and enduring the punishment of his legs, at one time becoming incessantly restless, another time lifeless with fatigue. There is systemic enervation that confines him to bed, a numbness that impairs finger function, the skin changes, fingernails and hair fall out and more. Yet consolation comes in the way of music and from the love and care of friends. Devamitra writes movingly of his appreciation for their help, his affection for them equal to his love for the Buddha's teaching and path, and how this savage trial provides opportunity for deep understanding of the impermanent and conditional nature of human life. He realizes how much he longs to live only for the Buddha's teaching and to communicate it, to reach out to those suffering and in need. Whenever the time comes for the author to leave us, this heartfelt, humorous and insightful account will no doubt be his 'parting kiss'. - Siladasa (Dr Mark R. Newton, FRACP); Quite often stories about cancer are framed in terms of a battle. This isn't always helpful, as it implies that disease progression means defeat or failure on the part of the sufferer. Devamitra frames his account with interweaving themes of struggle, victory and setback, yes, but also of calm and insight. He brings to the story his physicality as a serious, life-long swimmer; his variable energy levels from the disease and the treatment; the importance of friendship; and the impact of words spoken during consultations with his doctors, nurses and acupuncturist. We hear this story flavoured with his love of romantic poetry, his deep engagement with Buddhist teachings and practice, and his devotion to his teacher. I got to know Devamitra well in 1978, when he led the Buddhist retreat during which I joined the Triratna Buddhist Order. Our lives have intertwined since then in many ways, no doubt with some disagreements along the way! What a pleasure to read this book and get closer to the man and his wry, entertaining but deep reflections on life, cancer and everything. - William Stones, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and researcher in global health; Who would have thought that having cancer could be so instructive - and at times so amusing? Devamitra writes of his experiences with a style unique to him: beautifully crafted, engaging, witty, poignant, reflective and always disarmingly honest. If you have not had cancer you will surely understand what it means from reading this book. And if you have it now you will find a companion here who has faced with courage and clarity the terrors and indignities of this great test of character. Devamitra faces his test as a Buddhist, but he wears his Buddhism lightly, even though it is Buddhism that guides him through it. For him Buddhism is simply the truth about life, not a set of dogmatic beliefs, and so his writing is relevant whether or not you are a Buddhist. I recommend this book very highly. - Subhuti, author of Mind in Harmony