Letter to the Doctors of Siriraj Hospital

　　This letter was probably the most influential I have ever written. In the midst of the controversy, deceptions, and confusion around Tan Ajarn”s body being taken up to Bangkok”s leading government hospital and weeks of front-page headlines, Dr. Prawase Wasi (a senior doctor, respected social commentator and activist, and long-time student of Tan Ajarn) was raising issues within the medical establishment. My letter also contributed. It was well-received, subsequently reprinted in a number of places, and used in medical ethics courses. I still meet doctors who say it changed their thinking on their relationship to patients, technology, ethics, and Dhamma.

　　R.C.U., Atsadang Building

　　Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok

　　Thursday July 1, 1993

　　Dear Doctors,

　　Because I have difficulty expressing myself in Thai, I have decided to send you this letter. In it, I would like to discuss Nature, its role in the treatment of Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and related issues. Perhaps you will find something useful here.

　　But first, please allow me to thank you for the time, effort, and concern you have given to the Venerable Ajarn”s care. Nobody doubts that you have done anything but your best and provided the most up-to-date medical technology available in this country. Whatever the final outcome, your sincere efforts will be appreciated. May your good intentions bring you satisfaction and peace.

　　In the book Dhammanusati (page 11) Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu is quoted as telling his good friend Panyananda Bhikkhu, Dr. Prawase Wasi, and Dr. Wicharn Panich, a blood relative, that

　　I”ve held to the principle for who knows how long of letting Nature treat me, letting Dhamma care for me. You doctors can help preserve life and keep the body going, so that it doesn”t die, then Nature will treat the different diseases by itself. We”ll take what we can get; we don”t want any more than that. Actually, one shouldn”t live longer than the Lord Buddha.

　　People who are unfamiliar with the Venerable Ajarn”s teaching may interpret these words in a way that fits with their own views, views that may differ quite a bit from the speaker”s understanding. Earlier, certain doctors expressed their interpretations of this and other passages to the press. Some of us, however, who have been living and studying with the Venerable Ajarn for many years, have other perspectives on these words. I would like to share some of them with you. Please try to understand.

　　Let”s begin with the word “Nature” or “Dhamma.” What is this Nature or Dhamma which is to treat him

　　 Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu frequently reminds us that the Dhamma is the thing honored and worshipped by all Buddhas. Because Buddhas are the highest level of humanity, it would be inappropriate for them to worship other people. There is something, however, which is even higher than them and which is worthy of their deepest respect, namely, the Dhamma. The Venerable Ajarn has tried to follow the Lord Buddha”s example by worshipping the Dhamma to the best of his ability. He invites each of us to do the same.

　　Nature is a common theme in Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu”s teaching. Foremost, it is a synonym of Dhamma, which encompasses everything. Dhamma or Nature includes all mental and physical phenomena. It includes everything around us and inside us; we are Nature. There is nothing which is not Nature. Human thoughts, feelings, and actions are all part of Nature. The lowest, most ugly things are also Nature. Even the highest, most exalted thing — nibbāna — is Nature. Everything is Nature and Nature is much more than physical, material things. Can you feel this truth deep in your hearts

　　There is more to Nature than mere “things” or “phenomena.” Nature includes and is governed by Tr…

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