Lotus in the Fire: The Healing Power of Zen

by Jim Bedard

In 1995, Jim Bedard, a martial artist and Zen student, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and given ten days to live. This is the story of how he used his spiritual strength to bring himself into full contact with a death sentence as well as with painful medical treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. It is also the inspiring story of how the faith of his family, Zen teacher, close friends, and the Buddhist community helped him.

Bedard's story introduces us to Zen practices that can help us cope with emotional turmoil and physical pain. His words on compassion, on karma, on gratitude, on impermanence and the inevitability of death—all from a nonsmoking, meditating, aerobically fit vegetarian who became suddenly and "terminally" ill—are inspiring and sometimes funny. He explores, too, the fundamental question of suffering, its cause, and how the teachings of karma can help us accept illness, ultimately using it as an opportunity to deepen our spiritual lives.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 1999

Reviews

[Reading Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know the takeaway is supposed to be a Buddhist really putting the Buddhist principles of non attachment and impermanence to the ultimate test--a terrifying cancer diagnosis--but...well, it's not the perfect case.

It skims around the trap I really don't like that especially circles cancer: the idea of being a 'fighter'. We hear about how he 'hadn't yet begun to fight' and 'dad's a fighter' as optimistic things. That might be comforting but it also takes part in the narrative that people who die just, ya know, didn't fight hard enough. That's...that's really insulting. I'm glad he survived his terrible diagnosis but the idea that it was because he was so special...eh, not quite sure that's cool. Because then what do you think about people who die?

Also, you can have whatever feelings you choose about the Canadian healthcare system. Bedard is a big fan of it, saying repeatedly that it was free. What he does not engage with--what he does not even seem to SEE, is how that very healthcare system made several huge medical errors that almost killed him and definitely increased his suffering. Medical error is one of the top three causes of death in the developed world. Just saying.

Also, I mean, it's great he had this great circle of friends praying and chanting and showing him support. Well, what about those who don't? With the first point and this, I came away with a 'well, that's nice for YOU, basically a celeb in the Western Buddhist world, I guess'. Sort of like how we hear about celebs going through the pandemic with their private ayurvedic chef. Good for them, and I am not jealous but...I can't have that so it's not practicable to or for me.

So, a harrowing story but it feels overall like a bit of a misfire in terms of inspiring others. It's a good memoir, but not really a book on Buddhism.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d heard several snippets of Jim’s experiences with cancer over the years, so it was very interesting to hear the full story. Particularly touching for me, having seen Randy and Jim together as friends and teaching partners for many years, was to read about how strong and steady the support from Randy (and all of Jim’s friends and family) had been.

“Jim, you have to appreciate how difficult this is for us. We often wish we could do more and at times we feel so helpless. Please give us the chance, it will make it easier for us. We want to help. We need to help.”

[Anna Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is interested in faith practices and disease, I was looking forward to reading "Lotus in the Fire." I'm so glad that Mr. Bedard found comfort through Buddhism, but unfortunately, he's not a great storyteller. His recalled conversations come across as stilted or overly formal. I would have loved contributions from his Catholic and Buddhist family members as well.

As a commentary on the importance of community, faith, family, and universal healthcare, "Lotus in the Fire" is a worthwhile read.

[Paul Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable and underread Zen Buddhist memoir on the power of chanting, faith, meditation, and spirituality.

The chanting translation of the Heart Sutra in this book seems like the best I have ever encountered for the purpose.

[Ymfoo1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book proves that LOVE and PRAYERS can heal! Jim was diagnosed with leukemia and given 10 days to live. But his compassion, family love, friends' love, prayers and support enables him to survive the painful trauma he went through.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a powerful story about the healing power of zen and meditation, in the face of leukemia and its treatment. it is also about being surrounded by family and friends, and the strength of their love and support. i would highly recommend this book.