By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, March 1: Speaking to an audience of 500 in a small chapel at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester on Monday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his gratitude to staff of Mayo Clinic for the ‘positive contribution’ and kindness shown towards their patients.
Speaking on ‘Compassion in Medicine’ at the clinic where he is currently undergoing from his prostate treatment, he said, “You treat hundreds of thousands of people who come with hope and you fulfill their hopes. Looking after those who are in physical and mental pain is a challenge.”
“I’m an old patient and this time I’ve spent more than a month here, during which time the doctors, nurses and technicians have all been very kind. Besides exercising your professional skills, you have been caring, concerned and friendly,” he added.
He mentioned the importance of religious faith, which is a source of solace and support for people in difficulties and brings hope and optimism even to the dying.
He also remarked that we should not differentiate based on caste, creed or nationality and need to think all the 7 billion human being as ‘brothers and sisters. He said that treating others as human being reduces problems and differentiating will only create barriers.
“Remembering that all 7 billion of us belong to one human family is very important in today’s world. It’s how we can ensure harmony among humanity. But we need to make an effort to educate people about this reality,” said the Tibetan leader explaining why he greets people as ‘brothers and sisters’.
The Dalai Lama said that compassion is about showing care and concern for others. When you do that you benefit the family and friends of the patient too.
“Be as kind as you can. Showing loving kindness is an important way to keep the dying person in good spirits. Many of us believe that having a positive frame of mind, feeling optimistic at the time of death is important for our next life. Falling into despair and depression is of no help at all,” His Holiness replied when asked on how caregivers cope with the helplessness of not being able to do more for their patients.
Asked ‘whether to be compassionate, it’s is necessary to believe in a personal god,’ he replied, “Believers believe that each life is created by God and that God is infinite compassion. As children of God each of us has a spark of compassion within us. Non-believers may disregard love and compassion as simply religious qualities, when in fact they are basic human values.”
