A sense of responsibility towards all others also means
that both as individuals and as a society of individuals,
we have a duty to care for each member of our society.
This is true irrespective of their physical capacity or of their
capacity for mental reflection. Just like ourselves, such people have
a right to happiness and to avoid suffering. We must therefore avoid,
at all cost, the urge to shut away those who are grievously afflicted
as if they were a burden. The same goes for those who are diseased or
marginalized. To push them away would be to heap suffering on suffering.
If we ourselves were in the same condition, we would look to others for help.
We need, therefore, to ensure that the sick and afflicted person never
feels helpless, rejected or unprotected. Indeed, the affection
we show to such people is, in my opinion, the measure of
our spiritual health, both at the level of the
individual and at that of society.
that both as individuals and as a society of individuals,
we have a duty to care for each member of our society.
This is true irrespective of their physical capacity or of their
capacity for mental reflection. Just like ourselves, such people have
a right to happiness and to avoid suffering. We must therefore avoid,
at all cost, the urge to shut away those who are grievously afflicted
as if they were a burden. The same goes for those who are diseased or
marginalized. To push them away would be to heap suffering on suffering.
If we ourselves were in the same condition, we would look to others for help.
We need, therefore, to ensure that the sick and afflicted person never
feels helpless, rejected or unprotected. Indeed, the affection
we show to such people is, in my opinion, the measure of
our spiritual health, both at the level of the
individual and at that of society.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for the New Millennium, at p. 176
Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for the New Millennium, at p. 176
