<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On June 26, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chicago and the BLIA Chicago Chapter co-hosted an online lifestyle lecture titled “The Pandemic and Life.” Nearly 70 participants joined the session to gain professional insights and confidence in navigating the challenges of the pandemic. The keynote speaker was Dr. Wei-Ming Sun, a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and a Director of the BLIA Chicago Chapter. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Sun has published over ten professional books and more than 150 academic papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a time when COVID-19 had claimed nearly 130,000 lives in the United States and daily new cases reached record highs, Dr. Sun shared the latest research from medical journals alongside his clinical observations at the hospital. Through case discussions and an open Q&A session, he addressed 15 specific concerns, helping the audience develop a deeper understanding of the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding concerns such as whether a second peak would occur or if the virus would diminish in the summer, Dr. Sun noted that COVID-19 has a higher mortality rate than SARS and a higher transmission rate than MERS. He pointed out that, at the time, the United States had not yet fully passed its initial peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As cities began their reopening plans, Dr. Sun provided practical advice on preventive measures and self-protection. He noted that the pandemic has established new social norms, such as replacing handshakes with the “Anjali Mudra” (palms together). He also emphasized the importance of wearing masks in public and avoiding loud speech to reduce droplet transmission, protecting both oneself and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the Q&A, participants asked for clarification on the various types of masks. Dr. Sun explained that while standard medical masks offer some protection, N95 masks are the most effective for mutual protection when interacting face-to-face. He also recommended nutritional strategies to boost the immune system, such as increasing protein and dairy intake, getting sunlight for Vitamin D, and consuming kiwis and passion fruit for Vitamin C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked if medical staff feel fear when facing the pandemic, Dr. Sun responded with the principle of “Never forgetting one\u2019s initial aspiration and treating others with compassion.” He emphasized that a physician’s most important duty is to emulate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s spirit of relieving suffering, treating all patients with empathy, compassion, and equality. To encourage the audience, he quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “A Prayer for the COVID-19 Pandemic,” urging everyone to face the crisis with wisdom, practice the Three Acts of Goodness, and value environmental protection to transform danger into safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Venerable Jue Lin, then Head Priest, thanked Dr. Sun for his professional guidance, which helped the community stay informed and prepared. She also announced that FGS Chicago would host another online lecture on the “Study of Life and Death in Buddhism” on August 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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