If the negative, neurotic emotions are the source of our pain and the positive ones the cause of our happiness, then we’d better learn to distinguish them. This is the very essence of the job of being our own therapist, of being a Buddhist. - Ven. Robina

Lama Yeshe

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Q & A with Robina

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17 January, 2022

Helping homeless people in a hospital

QUESTION

Venerable Robina,

For a while I have been wanting to ask you, but just found the courage to email you.

At my job, I work 12 hour nights at a hospital. The majority of our patients are homeless and suffer from addiction. At times I don't know what to do with my thoughts, when giving even more drugs to patients already addicted to drugs.

I am not a rehab nurse, so it's not my place to restrict certain medications and I know that addiction is immensely hard to overcome. Most likely the patients go back out to being homeless and drugs when they leave the hospital.

But in some way I feel like I am contributing to their addiction by constantly giving the patients pain medications.

The only thing I can think of saying to myself is that I am treating their pain, physical and or mental.

How do I approach this in my mind?

Thank you so much for your guidance. I hope this makes sense.

ANSWER

Dearest R,

I hear you loud and clear! First of all, amazing that you’re helping people: So kind.

But do not burden yourself with the thought that you’re somehow contributing to their suffering. You’re giving them a moment of relief; you can’t do more. And you’re giving them a moment of kindness: that is so special. Every small thing that we do to help others is important. Obviously, the more wisdom we have, the more we can help. But you’re restricted to a very specific role at the hospital.

And remember the kindness part: that’s incredible. Just to be kind to someone, they won’t forget it!

Rejoice in your work. But also, aspire to be like the bodhisattvas and to continue to grow your wisdom so that you can do more and more to help others.

And perhaps you can sneak in a quiet mantra while you’re taking care of your patients! You can be casually singing om mani padme hum, let’s say. It’ll just sound like you’re singing a nice little song! But it’s such a powerful blessing to give them. It’ll leave the imprint of the buddhas on their mind.

Much love,

Robina

QUESTION

Thank you so much Venerable Robina, after reading your message I felt quite a relief.

I am starting work again tonight and will sing a little song to the patients I have at work!