In the Analects it says, “The Master was cautious in matters religious, military, and medical.” Caution in treating illnesses was deemed more important than sincere prayer or solemn marches. This prudence was mentioned in the Analects: “When K’ang—tzu sent Confucius a present of medicine, Confucius said, ‘If I don’t know what it’s for, I won’t take it. These two examples describe the oncologists responsibilities
Cancer attacks mankind more ferociously than a tiger—what can doctors do to relieve the danger? Vimalakirti said, “If the people are sick, I too am sick. Only when everyone is healthy will I too be healthy.” Such lofty ideals are rarely brought to fruition. Simply empathizing with a patient’s suffering would offer results to make any oncologist feel like a victorious general or a placated spirit. I make no assumption on the universality of my shallow theories but only hope that the specialists will research a cure diligent till death. Many lives may yet be saved.
I wrote this pamphlet for use as a handy reference guide based only on my humble experience. Eastern and Western medicine certainly take different approaches, but I am convinced we can apply each other’s methodology without harmful effects. If we make some mistakes, the wise and intelligent will correct us—this is not just one man’s dream!
Ah! but Western medicine seems to kill more than it cures, and yet more and more people even in the East are relying on it. Many doctors are selfish and remain aloof from the world‘s suffering. They forget that every single person, young and old, is a potential cancer victim—even themselves. Let us erect the banner “Benevolent heart, compassionate art,” and work to keep people alive. Can anyone disregard these ideals and practice medicine with selfish motives, enjoying the pleasures of life and remaining oblivious to suffering? Any oncologist who possesses the talent but lacks the compassion to find a cure for cancer is simply not a man. Hence I say:
Cleanse your mind of grandiose ambition,
with hope lies our inevitable success. Tear down all preconceptions,
embrace ideals as wide as a ravine. Collect all ideas, broaden all benefits,
cool springs lie all around.
I dream of the day when I can set aside my doctor’s responsibilities and the world embraces health, peace, and prosperity.
June, 1964
Cheng Man-ch’ing
New York
source: Master of Five Excellences