Friday, Janurary 21st, 2011

Before and After

Thornhill, Ontario

You hear nothing but praise about the Shouldice Hospital. The remarks will go something like this (coming from patients): "I had an operation some years ago elsewhere and I realize I had to come her to do it right." Or, "Hernia is all they focus on, they're specialists here." Also, "For healing, this is great. It's quiet, a friendly atmosphere, like family and the natural surroundings are beautiful."

I will agree that this is a terrific place for care. People come from all over the world for treatment. It's rumoured that Clint Eastwood was here last week. In any event, remarks such as the above conjure up a desire to have people say that about our temples. Mind you, some do. Pilgrims or just curious browsers come for an experience, of the deities (sacred images), the incense pervading the air, the soft chanting in the background. The temple generally provides that but to be self-critical I would like to see that we step up on the quality of care from our personnel. People should have an experience they'll never forget. It should be very human and mystical.

Speaking of which, after sedation, then operation executed in its own designated floor, I found myself in my usual patient’s bed. The drugs were that strong that I don't recall moving.

Family and friends came and phone calls as you can imagine streamed in. That, if anything, eases the pain, plus the friends you make on the premises. The patients (mostly men) are curious about my lifestyle, the kurta (monk's shirt), my vegetarianism and the marathon walking.

Outside of mechanics being worked on, friend raising and catching up on rest, reading and writing, I do have the mantra. It is so profound, before or after surgery, before or after anything and everything, there is the mantra, "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare."

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