新冠病毒的傳播還未消退，網路上出現針對某一類醫學極力的批評，甚至貶低。有人以此觀點來徵詢阿闍梨的意見，以下是阿闍梨的回覆。
While the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is not over, strong criticisms against certain medical approach are spreading online. This is brought to the attention of Acariya and below is Acariya’s advice on how to deal with this.
敬覆某人書：
向對抗新冠病毒的所有醫護人員致敬。
我相信，在這世界上不論是中醫、西醫、藏醫、古印度的Ayuveda，乃至北美本土的傳統醫學（有稱另類療法），他們對於人類（至少在某個時空上）都曾經有過一定的貢獻，也正因如此，才會被人類所宏揚及被保存下來。
我見識過這樣的例子：因為自己相應於或受益於或偏愛於某一種醫學，日久形成一種主見，就像學佛後落入於一宗一派一樣看不見其他學派的優點，甚而醜化對方。其實，這不過在反映某人或某群體的一種主見（有時是偏見），這樣對自己身心及自己想推廣的醫學不一定有正面意義和幫助。
佛陀教誡弟子，想成功地勸說別人之前一定要省察是否具備這五德的內容：應時、真實、利益、柔軟及慈心。在這資訊爆炸的時代，我們隨時會接收到許多不同意見、不同主張、不同立場的信息，就在這時候，如果您想把手中或腦海中的信息傳佈出去勸說他人（自覺有一種利益的正義感）時，且別衝動，先回顧一下佛陀的教誡與省察其內容，如：
一、應時：我是否有注意到勸說的時間、空間及對象是否適宜？
二、真實：我的勸說內容是否已實事求是，非栽贓，也不是自己推想、亂套？
三、利益：我的勸說內容對某人、對社會（眾生）將會帶來什麼好處？
四、柔軟：我勸說的措詞語氣是否有柔軟，而非暴戾的毒言惡語？
五、我在做這一勸說的動作時，內心是否具有慈心，還是瞋害心？（非包裝後的正義魔人）
在非常時期，願大家一起勤修四念住，多多注意自己身體、感受與心念的變化，既不放縱煩惱，不隨起伏，也不擴大自己的無知。做個具有正信、正念及正知的三寶弟子，守好身語意，減少貪瞋痴。
To whom it may concern,
I pay my respect to all the medical personnel who are fighting against this novel coronavirus COVID-19.
Of all medical systems in this world, whether it is traditional Chinese medicine, modern western medicine, traditional Tibetan medicine, ancient Indian Ayuveda medicine, or even traditional Native American medicine (broadly speaking, alternative medicine), I believe each has its merits in treating human diseases and saving lives (even if it is just at one point in time). Otherwise, the practice of which would not be preserved and promoted in different cultures.
I have personally encountered many a time: because one has responded well to, have benefited from, or simply favors one system of medicine, one gradually holds a strong opinion. Just like some students, having been trained in one school of Buddhism, become so fixated that they cannot appreciate other schools of thoughts. They might even vilify others. In reality, such a partial view is only indicative of one’s or one group’s subjective judgment (often times a prejudiced one). It has neither positive impact on one’s body and mind, nor is it constructive to the system of medicine one is trying to advocate.
The Buddha teaches his disciples to always reflect before performing a verbal act. He says there are five ways by which a person is judged by his speech: it is spoken at the right time; it is spoken in truth; it is spoken beneficially; it is spoken affectionately; it is spoken with a mind of good will. At this age of information explosion, the amount of opinions, claims, and standpoints readily available to us is enormous. Before you try to persuade others with your own ideas or a piece of information you have received (being self-righteous), please resist the urge. Please review Buddha’s teachings and reflect on the content of your advice.
- Timely: Is my advice given at a proper time, at the right moment, and to a suitable audience?
- Factual: Is my advice truthful, not a conclusion reached with some false evidence, conjectures or fabrication?
- Beneficial: Will my advice bring benefits to my audience and society (sentient beings)?
- Softly: Is my choice of word and voice affectionate, not one of abusive harsh words and evil speech?
- Good will: when I am conveying the message, do I speak with a kindly heart, or inwardly malicious (evil spirit under the disguise of righteousness)?
At this critical moment, let us all practice the Four Foundations of Mindfulness ardently, let us be mindful of the nuances of our body, feelings, and mind. Do not let sufferings go unrestrained, do not go with their flow, and do not expand your ignorance. Be a Buddhist disciple with devotion, right mindfulness and right view. Keep our body, speech and mind guarded; reduce lust, hatred and delusion.
