First, Do No Harm

 

First, Do No Harm

“Primum non nocere”

Is the Latin translation from the original Greek

For the oath, “First, do no harm.”

It’s the Hippocratic Oath that medical students take.

But it’s also the tenets enshrined

In the world religions of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism

 

Doctors will undoubtedly do harm

When they attempt to treat patients

How could they not order CT scans, MRIs, mammograms,

Biopsies, vaccinations, and blood tests?

These procedures could have deleterious effects.

But doctors have to recommend these tests

Because the potential benefits outweigh the risks

 

But religious faith traditions like Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism

Are known to have principles of “non-violence”

To these faith traditions the concept of “do no harm”

Not only extends to all living organisms of God’s creation

But to “how and what people think, their words, and deeds.”

For these believers “thoughts are influential in our interactions with all creation.”

 

“Universal Spirit, help us to use good judgment as we endeavor to “do no harm.”

Give us insight for making correct decisions in cases that are complex.  And help us to be wise in weighing the good benefits of our actions against the risk of harm.”

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