Turning a Life-Threatening Battle with COVID into a Victory of Hope

Hello everyone. I am Arijit Paul, Men's Division Chapter Chief from Central Kolkata Zone, East India Area. I began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 2005 as a Young Men's Division member and later became a Men's Division member in 2015. Throughout these years, this practice has transformed my life and helped me become a happier and stronger human being.

In April 2021, during the devastating second wave of COVID-19 in India, my family and I encountered one of the greatest challenges of our lives.

It began when my wife developed a mild fever. Within a couple of days, I also started experiencing similar symptoms. We immediately got ourselves tested, and on April 23rd, both of us were diagnosed COVID positive. Without delay, we isolated ourselves from everyone else in our home.

Although uncertainty surrounded us, I refused to allow fear to dominate my heart. Instead, I renewed my faith, reminding myself of Nichiren Daishonin's words:

"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"

Despite medication, both our fevers kept rising. My cousin and uncle, who are doctors, advised that hospitalization might soon become necessary.

Finding a hospital bed during those days was almost impossible.

After countless efforts, one of my friends' father, a senior doctor, managed to arrange a bed. Since my wife's condition had become more serious, she was admitted first.

Throughout those anxious days, I received constant encouragement from senior leaders and fellow members, who continued chanting for our recovery.

Meanwhile, the situation at home became even more worrying. My elder daughter and our household helper also developed symptoms, and I became deeply concerned for my younger daughter, who suffers from asthma.

I prayed earnestly for every member of my family to remain protected.

Gradually, my wife's condition improved. Her fever disappeared, and the doctors informed us that she would soon be discharged.

I felt immense gratitude.

But just as one challenge appeared to be ending, another began.

My own condition suddenly deteriorated. My oxygen saturation started fluctuating between 88 and 93, while my fever climbed to 103 degrees. Friends and relatives desperately searched for a hospital bed, but none were available.

Throughout those difficult hours, I continued chanting silently in my heart, praying to unite my life with my mentor and seeking protection from the heavenly functions of the universe.

Once again, help appeared at the right moment.

A close friend managed to arrange a hospital bed that would become available the following day.

However, that very evening my condition worsened dramatically.

I suddenly felt extremely restless. When I checked my oxygen level, it had fallen to just 79.

Fear naturally arose within me.

But almost immediately, I remembered Sensei's guidance:

"To be fearless no matter what happens, that is the spirit of resolve that leads to human victory."

I gathered my courage and called my cousin. He advised me to sleep on my stomach to improve my oxygen levels.

I followed his advice while continuing to pray with complete conviction.

Eventually, I fell asleep.

When I woke up the following morning, my oxygen level had risen to 88.

Even before reaching the hospital, however, my condition became critical once again. I developed severe coughing and even coughed up blood. I prayed only to reach the nursing home safely.

On the very day I was admitted, my wife was discharged from the same hospital.

I remained on oxygen support and received intensive treatment, including steroids.

After several difficult days, the doctors finally informed me that I had overcome the most dangerous phase of the infection. However, the virus had severely affected my liver, creating another health challenge that would require time to heal.

Rather than becoming discouraged, I felt only gratitude.

I was deeply thankful to the Gohonzon, to every member and leader who had prayed for us, to my relatives and friends who stood beside us throughout the crisis, and to my parents and friends who lovingly sent home-cooked meals to support my family while we remained isolated.

Never before had I realized so deeply the immense value of a compassionate support system.

Even after returning home, recovery was slow.

The effects of the steroids left me physically exhausted. I had lost much of my strength, remained drowsy throughout the day, and even speaking for long periods became difficult.

During this phase, I encouraged myself with Sensei's words:

"Difficulty and hardship are part and parcel of blazing new trails. If we think something is difficult then it will be difficult; if we think something is impossible, then it will be impossible. The path to kosen-rufu can be forged only with a burning fighting spirit and a passionate struggle to pierce through all obstacles."

Inspired by this guidance, I challenged myself not to focus on my physical weakness but to maintain a high life condition through daimoku.

Initially, I could not actively attend meetings, but I continued encouraging members for the May 3rd meeting whenever I could. Gradually, my strength returned. My voice became stronger, and I started participating in Buddhist study meetings once again.

These activities steadily restored not only my physical energy but also my confidence and life condition.

Today, I am deeply grateful to report that my wife, both my daughters, our household helper, and I have all recovered completely.

This experience convinced me more than ever that even the darkest suffering can become the source of our greatest growth when we base our lives on faith, courage, gratitude, and compassionate action.

Having transformed this poison into medicine, I now determine to encourage every member in my chapter with all my heart, become a beacon of hope for those facing difficulties, strengthen both districts of my chapter, and help countless people develop unshakable faith so they too can illuminate their lives and their environment like the brilliant sun.