Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 19, 2023

Fo Guang Shan's past charitable Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics held in India were halted for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the situation now improving, FGS Educational & Cultural Center and FGS Sramanera School have resumed the Free Medical Camp. The clinics will run from October 14th to 22nd in various locations in the northeastern Assam state of India, including Bhetapara, Dudhnoi, Kalaigaon, Rangoli, and Khuntai. It is expected that around 3000 people will benefit from these clinics.

Around 3000 people will benefit from these clinics. photo／The Life News Agency

Assam state, due to its geographical location, is composed of diverse ethnic groups including Indians, Bengalis, Nepalis, and others. This diversity is evident in its population. Assam has suffered significantly from severe floods this year, resulting in the destruction of many houses. FGS Educational & Cultural Center has initiated a relief operation. The first phase involves distributing relief supplies, the second phase focuses on reconstruction, and the third phase includes organizing medical clinics.

FGS Educational & Cultural Center has initiated a relief operation. The first phase involves distributing relief supplies, the second phase focuses on reconstruction, and the third phase includes organizing medical clinics. photo／The Life News Agency

In this charitable medical mission, a total of 19 Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners from Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, and Taiwan, along with 2 dentists, participated.

Venerable Hui Xian, Director of FGS Sramanera School, expressed the hope that through this medical mission, they could show their concern and warmth to the people affected by the flooding. FGS aims to sow the seeds of connection in different places, making people of different nationalities become brothers, sisters, and friends.

During the charitable medical mission, all doctors made efforts to treat the patients. One woman, after receiving acupuncture treatment, experienced relief from back pain, leaving her feeling incredibly amazed and joyful, words unable to fully express her feelings.

Doctors made efforts to treat the patients. photo／The Life News Agency

The participating dentists provided professional consultations and treatments such as tooth extraction, dental cleaning, and fluoride application for children.

Dentists provided professional consultations and treatments. photo／The Life News Agency

A participating Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor expressed that during the medical mission, seeing patients was akin to witnessing the manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. This experience made them understand the essence of being a doctor. Regardless of the environment, the most sincere communication between human beings can always happen, bringing great joy. He said, "The pandemic took away the most important connection between us, the connection between human beings. When these connections start to recover, we deeply feel the preciousness of this bond."