A Model of Cancer Patient Treatment by Gilanupatthak Monk: A Case Study of Wat Trivisudhidham

Abstract

Wat Trivisudhidham in Suphan Buri Province has applied Buddhist principles to treat cancer patients in conjunction with Thai traditional medicine, free of charge, as an alternative treatment that emphasizes alleviating both physical and mental suffering. Under the leadership of Phra Khru Pithaksasanawong (Luang Pho Kai), the treatment uses Buddhist concepts,        1) Healing is a blessing and an elimination of suffering. The aim is to treat physical diseases through the use of herbs, nutritional therapy and exercise, along with treating mental diseases with Dhamma medicine, chanting, meditation and volunteer activities. 2) The caregivers adhere to moral principles, have knowledge of medicine, nutrition, various Dhamma principles and focus on providing appropriate and equal nursing care. Phra Khru Pithaksasanawong’s aspiration of “Treating People, Preserving Dhamma” led to the establishment of Phraphithaksaharoka Thai Traditional Medicine Hospital to accommodate a large number of patients who require holistic care, adhering to the principles of taking care of physical, mental, intellectual and social health, which is a proactive approach to spreading Dhamma and encouraging patients to enhance their quality of life and reduce the burden on the government sector. This form of healing is a cultural heritage of body and mind, a Buddhist way of life and care for cancer patients that is worth preserving.