Dragon: A Parable

When people come to me with a serious disease and ask for help, I cannot concern myself with whether they are esteemed or dishonorable, wealthy or poor, elderly or young, beautiful or ugly. My care will be safe, and not swayed by whether they are my dearest family member or my adversary, my good friend or a stranger, American or foreigner, foolish or wise. In my mind's eye each patient is on the same level, degree and class, and is treated as close as family. My care will never be self-serving or motivated by what brings good or bad fortune, or by that which is pleasing or upsetting. My protection and care will be precisely what is necessary: no more, no less, without deference to my own safety or life. I will know, in my heart, that my good deeds are sincere and not a game. I will show courage with caution. I will actively explore and broaden my knowledge while standing firmly on the principles of which I am certain.



(adapted from A Guide to Medical Workers by Sun Ssu-Miao, Tang dynasty physician, theorist, and author)

I have completed my last final exam as a NESA student. I did well, as I have done throughout my career there. Now I will rest - tonight I fly to my parent's place, to spend the week until graduation doing some navel-gazing and a lot of nothing.

Then, as one of my Japanese Style teachers who passed me in the hall today said, the real work will begin. It is going to be awesome.