Phowa with psychological disorder

[cjdevries]

I have been given instructions to do phowa for myself from a qualified lama. However, I have had a past history of psychosis (3 episodes, each lasting a day long ,of scattered, uncontrollable thoughts). Is it safe for me to pursue phowa practice considering this psychological disorder? Can I still do phowa safely with a serious psychological issue? I don't want to go further unless it is safe.

[Grigoris]

I have been given instructions to do phowa for myself from a qualified lama. However, I have had a past history of psychosis (3 episodes, each lasting a day long ,of scattered, uncontrollable thoughts). Is it safe for me to pursue phowa practice considering this psychological disorder? Can I still do phowa safely with a serious psychological issue? I don't want to go further unless it is safe.

Did the lama that gave you the instruction know about your condition? Can you contact them and ask them for their advice?

[jet.urgyen]

I have been given instructions to do phowa for myself from a qualified lama. However, I have had a past history of psychosis (3 episodes, each lasting a day long ,of scattered, uncontrollable thoughts). Is it safe for me to pursue phowa practice considering this psychological disorder? Can I still do phowa safely with a serious psychological issue? I don't want to go further unless it is safe.

You should apply it and waith for signs. In this case there is no way to know until you do it.

Maybe discursive thoughts just get chopped, or maybe you grasp on them and get nervous, etc. Who knows...

Mm however, if a practice goes wrong for you then i think you should drop it. There are so many methods, and we can search for one that fits in our lives.

[StrangeGuy]

Maybe get advice not only from a lama/monk but from a "Buddhist mental health specialist" (PhD Clinical level) as well. Here are some links about that topic:

https://scholar.google.de/scholar?q=Bud ... cQgQMIKzAA

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/artic ... laims.html

http://psychoticbuddha.blogspot.de/2012 ... fuges.html

http://downthecrookedpath-meditation-gu ... -from.html

http://www.cgjungpage.org/learn/article ... meditators

Wish you all the best.

[KristenM]

I'd talk to your Lama again and tell them your concerns, as well as a professional. Given your history, hopefully you already have someone that you are working with. A good psychologist or psychiatrist will probably never tell you "you should do it," that's a bit irresponsible. Therapists are only there to help you make an informed decision on your own, not tell you what to do. Unless they are telling you you need to take medication, then take their advice imo.

[ClearblueSky]

I don't think that phowa would be especially harmful in any way, but as with any practice, if you are dealing with mental illness and the practice seems to be exacerbating it, you need to be wise about whether to continue, ease up, or just try a different practice instead. It's also important to remember that lamas are not psychiatrists, and even very wise ones can give advice that might not be best for you when it comes to this.

[Berry]

My opinion is that you should definately talk about your difficulties with your lama first and if you know of anyone familiar with Buddhism who is also a health professional, maybe speak to them too for another opinion.

You could also investigate if your lama and his students are doing any any group phowa practice sessions together which you could attend.

[Jesse]

In my personal experience, you shouldn't attempt any Vajrayana techniques if you are very prone to mental illness, at least not unless you are directly being supervised by a very experienced teacher and are in close contact with them.. and definitely not distance learning. EG: If you have a monthly skype call with them, that isn't enough.

I'm not entirely familiar with Phowa, but from what I remember it entails energy manipulation of some sort. Probably not the best idea whilst being sick, or if you are prone to sickness. What I am familiar with is psychosis. It can creep up on you, and you may not know it until you are in a fully blown psychotic state months later. Especially not without input from your peers, and teacher/s.

[nichiren-123]

I have schizophrenia (I only had one episode but it was a long one - 8 months) and I have to take medication for the rest of my life to keep my brain in balance.
I also practice meditation and have never had problems crop up from it.

[cjdevries]

thanks for all the replies. plenty of food for thought and a lot of wisdom. thanks again.