31. I Heal My Own Body ： Nourishment of the Mind : The Reason for Being.

Humanity’s effort to find answers to the questions “Where did I come from?”, “Where am I going?”, and “Why do I exist?” can be found in literature, philosophy, religion, and thought. Jesus clearly stated the reason for his existence: “I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth.

” He also said, “If you love one another, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This is no different from the Buddhist thought of “sudden enlightenment and gradual cultivation” (頓悟漸修)—instantly realizing the truth (that I am not an inherently petty and selfish being, but one that transcends space and time and can embrace the universe), and gradually letting go of selfishness to attain Buddhahood, Nirvana, or the other shore.

It also fully aligns with the Confucian idea of “seeing one’s nature” (見性)—recognizing one’s true self free of ego, then practicing humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith (仁義禮智信), thereby cultivating oneself, managing one’s family and country, and ultimately reaching the highest good (止於至善).

“Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The reason we become greedy, angry, or attached in worldly matters is mostly because of our own selfishness. If you look around, a single blade of grass, a fly, a rabbit in the backyard, or a goose in the sky—all live in harmony with nature’s law, maintaining an optimal state of coexistence through the repetition of life.

Let us strive not to deal with others for our own gain, but to first fully consider the other’s position and practice the five virtues of Confucianism. To the best of my knowledge, this is the best method for mental cultivation and health care. We are here to live with love for one another, and through this, we come to know the truth and become complete human beings. Life is not about eating better, dressing better, or living in a better house. Rather, it is a daily process of correcting our wrong thoughts and actions.

Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic