Question
I have an illness that will kill me. There is a treatment with a 67–80% success rate, at the cost of severe and lasting side effects.
Zen advocates not fearing death, and I would rather die than undergo this treatment, which will change me permanently.
But I have three wonderful children. From Zen's point of view, I should detach myself from worrying about what their lives will be without their mother, who does everything to make them happy and protect them.
Which path should I take: try everything possible, or accept the death my body is leading me toward and trust that my children will still have beautiful lives?
Nin
Answer from Master Kosen
Choose the one with the most love.
Kosen