MANTRA FOR SCORPION STING? - 1
MANTRA FOR SCORPION STING? - 1
DR R.D. LELE
Before I move on to citing case histories, I would like to
dwell on some aspects of doctor-patient relationship and begin with the sound
advice given in the Charak Samhita, the ancient ayurvedic classic (circa 300 B.C.)
which is relevant to this day. Says the Samhita:
·
The patient who may mistrust his own parents,
sons and relations, should repose an implicit faith in his own physician and
put his own life into his hands without the least apprehension of danger.
·
No thoughtful man who seeks enduring life,
should ever covet the possessions of the "Guardian of Life” or revile him
or do any harm to him.
·
The man who does not recompense a physician
after treatment, whether or not there be a previous understanding for remuneration,
is beyond redemption.
·
The physician should regard all his patients as
if they were his own begotten children and guard them zealously from all harm,
considering this to be his highest religion.
·
Clear grasp of theoretical knowledge, clear
interpretation, right application, practical experience and skills and purity
of body and mind—these are the requirements of a good physician.
·
He who practises medicine holding compassion for
creatures as the highest religion, is a man who has fulfilled his mission and
attains supreme happiness, for there is no other gift greater than the gift of
life.
·
Those who for the sake of a living, make
merchandise of medicine, bargain for a heap of dust letting go a heap of gold.
The most prestigious and popular textbook of medicine, all
over the world, today is Harrisons, whose opening paragraphs echo the same
sentiments.
"No greater opportunity, responsibility or obligation can
fall to the lot of a human being than to become a physician. In the care of
suffering he needs technical skills, scientific knowledge and human
understanding He who uses them with courage, with humility and with wisdom will
provide an unique service for his fellowmen and will build an enduring edifice
of character within himself. The physician should ask of his destiny no more
than this: he should be content with no less”.
"Tact sympathy and understanding are expected of a
physician, for the patient is no mere collection of symptoms, signs, disordered
functions, damaged organs and disturbed emotions. He is human, fearful and
hopeful, seeking relief, help and reassurance. To the physician, like an
anthropologist, nothing human is strange or repulsive. The misanthrope may
become a smart diagnostician of organic disease but he can scarcely hope to
succeed as a physician. True physician has a Shakespearian breadth of interest
in the wise and foolish, the proud and humble, the stoic hero and a whining
rogue. He cares for people.”