PureInsight | April 18, 2002
Is it Medicine or is it Poison?
Medicines are intended to cure diseases. But in modern times, medicines are no longer solely used for this purpose. They are now also used to change one's physical looks, achieve euphoria, stay awake or go to sleep, address one's physical well-being, or lose something one did not want in the first place. Due to the ease of accessibility, are many of today's medicines not poisons used to support the modern life-style? Isn't it true that medicines not used for the purpose of curing diseases, are in reality poisons that, more often than not, damage health and corrupt morality? Thus, it's puzzling to me why such "poisons" were developed and why people are willing to contaminate their bodies. Why are people unable to see the destructive effect on their mental and physical health and why are they not willing to use their intelligence to recognize the negative effect of their actions? Three rationales come to mind, blind faith in chemical compounds, cultural pressure and attitude.
As a case in point, let's discuss the new wonder drug "Viagra, " a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Why has it become so popular? Is it because of the deviated notion that sexual pleasures are the mainstay of a healthy male/female relationship, or of what society depicts as the male persona? Isn't this a fallacy? The man, who has lost his so-called masculinity, believes, given his societal indoctrination, that he is ailing and thus reaches for the "blue pill." He relies on this remedy without understanding the cause of his so-called disease and without considering the possible consequences. Is the momentary euphoria worth the damage done to other tissues in the human body? Clinical tests have shown that this drug may have mild to serious side effects, including abdominal pain, face edema, allergic reactions, chest pain, cerebral thrombosis, cardiac arrest, heart failure, vomiting, depression, insomnia and seizures.
Let's also talk about drugs taken by people suffering from obesity, which is considered physically unattractive in today's culture. People are being ridiculed for being obese. Thus, feeling unattractive and outside the mainstream of society, they turn to weight-loss drugs that come highly recommended by friends, relatives, doctors and on media channels. Everyone aspires to become the epitome of beauty – slimness. But, when reaching for the so-called remedy, does anyone consider the possible harm done to other body parts? Are people aware of the possible side effects, such as increased blood pressure, headache, backache, flu-syndromes, abdominal pain, chest pain, dry mouth, anorexia, insomnia, and constipation?
There are many drugs that address the adherence to a number of societal norms, such as abortion pills, birth control pills, hormonal supplements, pain management remedies, breast enhancement medicine, depression reduction pills, hair-loss remedies and acme remedies. Do those reaching for these drugs consider the possible danger to themselves? Yes, side effects of drugs used to cure societies ills are well documented. Everyone has access to this information. If one does not have a computer, one may find the information at the local library, ask a doctor or a pharmacist. But does the person really wish to know the side effects? Most of the time the pain of not conforming to societies norm is too great and thus one reaches for the so-called cure-all.
Thus, the practitioner, who can clearly see the detrimental effects of chemical compounds on the human body, should find ways to open these people's minds and help them to clearly see the result of their actions. Practitioners should find ways to eliminate existing notions with respect to body, health and medicines. People need to understand that letting go of the need for medical remedies will lead to a healthy life.
Dispensing of Medication Requires Wisdom and Compassion
Throughout the ages there have been doctors, pharmacists and others who had wisdom and compassion in their hearts. They did not dispense medicines to heal social ills and norms, but to restore health. These early researchers who researched into the properties of herbs did not pursue fame and did not harm any life for economic reasons. Yet, there were also charlatans whose sole motivations were greed. But, those with wisdom and compassion did not dispense medicine without understanding its benefits and ills. Thus, in our ancient past, they took it upon themselves to test one-by-one hundreds of plants to discover the nutritional and medicinal properties as well as their toxicity. They were the guinea pigs whose research allowed restoring the health of many.
The Chinese emperor Shen Nung (Shennong) tested hundreds of plants to save his subjects from taking a dangerous herb. Shen Nung was also known to use an herb called Zhebian that helped him identify poisonous plants and learn the herbs properties. Apparently he identified 70 poisons per day. Does that not show that Shen Nung held compassion towards his subjects?
During the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), a reputable doctor discussed in his book the ills of society. He referred to doctors which were charlatans and who cared nothing for people's life. He expounded on those who over-dosed ill people to remove contaminated energy (Qi) and on those who were copycats. Such methods will cure the external body, but sacrifices the true life and thus is harmful to the individual. In his writings this doctor wished to educate doctors and patients alike, so they understood the purpose of taking or not taking medicines. In today's society dispensation and understanding of medicines is made easy, given internet access, advertisements and consumer protection regulations. Yet, does anyone really care as to what drug should, should not or cannot be taken and as to what drug has been actually purchased and taken by people? Is it known if the drug prescribed by a doctor was a drug to improve the health of the patient or a "psychological medicine?" Is the dilemma faced by the public not which drug to take and which drug not to take, but the decline in today's moral standards?
Return to a Natural Life
It's clear to the initiated that diseases are a reflection of the natural balance of nature being out of order. Human society has lost its roots and original nature. The only alternative is for human society to introspect and for human nature to regain what it has lost. Only when humans recognize that they slid away from their original nature and again abide by the principles of "Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance" will they return to healthiness and natural balance will be regained. However, if humans continue to accept chemical compounds as cures for health problems in society, the effect will be the opposite from what is expected. One will not have health restored but will only suppress the real cause of one's illness and postpone the reckoning. It doesn't matter if treatments are through ancient Chinese or modern Western methods, such as acupuncture, herbal or chemical medications. The treatment is under the doctor's control and depends on his compassion.
If one wishes to alleviate suffering and let go of illness, a life change has to be made. One has to become virtuous and kind. Living in social peace, gaining a healthy body, behaving honorably and regaining nobility of character are all dependents of happiness. A human life that depends on chemical or medicinal compounds cannot regain a healthy body. To affect changes towards a better life, one has to let go of acquired notions, let go of all limitations, regain ones natural instincts, and live a virtuous life. Do you not agree with me?
Translated on April 5, 2002 from http://zhengjian.org/zj/articles/2002/2/22/13964.html
