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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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dying person, phowa should be practiced to help them<br />

gain a good rebirth.<br />

19. Meeting the Sick<br />

Going to the hospital to help the poor <strong>and</strong> sick is, of<br />

course, better than going to the houses of rich <strong>and</strong><br />

healthy patrons. When a Hinayana yogi sees these<br />

patients, he should recite the sutra of protection<br />

(paritrana). A Mahayanist will meditate on sunyata to<br />

help with a cure, while a Vajrayana follower may use a<br />

mantra.<br />

If one has money, one should always keep some<br />

effective <strong>and</strong> simple medicines for the treatment of<br />

those who need them, regardless of whether or not they<br />

are <strong>Buddhist</strong>s. However, be careful of medicines for<br />

internal illnesses, for unless one is a doctor, patients<br />

may become worse instead of better as a result of one's<br />

treatment. It is good to have some medical knowledge<br />

so that the treatment may be given freely.<br />

20. Seeing Good Done<br />

When you meet someone doing any virtuous<br />

action—giving alms, worshipping at a shrine, asking for<br />

an explanation of Buddha dharma—always approve <strong>and</strong>,<br />

indeed, praise them. (In Theravada countries, the thrice<br />

repeated "sadhu," meaning "it is good," is usually used<br />

to express approval of meritorious actions.) If we are<br />

781

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