Healing Lazarus A Buddhist&39s Journey from Near Death to New Life [Paperback]

For Lewis Richmond, overcoming a swift and devastating brain disease was only the beginning of an intense, protracted journey of recovery. But the Buddhist teachings that sustained him throughout his adult life would prove essential in guiding him back to wellness -- and toward rebirth and transformation.
InHealing Lazarus,Richmond shares the lessons he learned and the wisdom he won in sickness and in health. His words of love, hope, and courage are as inspiring as they are true. Illuminating from the first page to the last, Richmond's memoir is an affirmation -- and a celebration -- of life, and a testament to the human spirit.CHAPTER ONE: STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

Lazarus, esteemed elder and learned scholar, walks down the central street of his hometown, scrolls under his arm, his robe pristine white, on his way to a study session with his students. As he passes, the town's inhabitants greet him by touching their hands to their foreheads in a sign of respect.

Suddenly, without warning, Lazarus stumbles, falls, and collapses senseless in the street. Immediately a crowd of people runs to his aid, and soon the news electrifies the entire town. Lazarus, the elder, has been struck down, as though by lightning, and even now is being borne to his home, while the town physician is urgently summoned.

What misfortune! What woe! the townspeople exclaim. What are we to do?

In Mill Valley, the suburb of San Francisco where I live, summer days are often cool and fog-shrouded. But July 1999 began with a heat wave. My family -- my wife Amy and grown son Ivan -- were looking forward to the July 4 weekend, a traditional time for us to barbecue hot dogs and corn on the cob, and later perhaps watch the fireworks at the local county fair.

After a busy week in my software business, I was not feeling well. On the day of the holiday, I was running a bit of a fever. But I felt well enough to participate in the festivities; I assumed I hlӠ