Philosophical Writings

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

Page 79

Philosophical Writings
has his permission to enter, and you should be well clad and bent of head, self-possessed, and conduct yourself after due consideration. You shall thus properly make your entry. Having entered, your speech mind, intellect and senses shall be entirely devoted to no other thought than that of being helpful to the patient, and of things concerning him only. The peculiar custom of the patient's household shall not be made public. Even knowing that the patient's span of life has come to its end, it shall not be mentioned by you there, where if so done, it should cause shock to patient or to others. Though possessed of knowledge, one should not boast very much of it. Most people are offended by the boastfulness of even those who are otherwise good and knowledgeable. There is no limit at all to which a knowledge of Ayurveda can be acquired, so you should apply to it with diligence. The entire world is the teacher to the intelligent and foe to the unintelligent. Hence knowing this well, you should listen to and act according to the words of instruction of even an unfriendly person, when they are worthy and as such bring fame to you and long life, and are capable of giving you strength and prosperity.'
( From Caraka Samhita).