I came across a story aired on WWAY Newschannel 3 about Monika Tippins, a woman battling a second round of breast cancer who found comfort and peace at a Buddhist Temple in North Carolina. Tippins is not a Buddhist, but she has, with her daughter, been visiting the temple, and feels that the practice of meditation, and adopting some of the philosophical beliefs and perspectives Buddhism is based on, has helped them survive difficult times.

There is research to validate that spiritual practices provide health benefit for cancer survivors. University of California researchers report finding that faith, the use of prayer or meditation, and religion, provide protective health benefits for cancer survivors. Studies are consistently adding to a growing collection of emerging literature on the beneficial impact of faith and spirituality on health.

Buddhism is a world religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Originating in India, Buddhism gradually spread throughout Asia to Central Asia, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Southeast Asia, as well as the East Asian countries of China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. There are a number of versions or sects of Buddhism generally teaching paths to Nirvana, enlightenment or bliss; the Four Noble Truths, recognizing existence and source of suffering; and the Eight Fold Path, correct understanding, behavior and meditation.