Expert: Justin Choo - 4/10/2010

Question
Got a few questions about the ethics of psychosurgery (operating on the brain to change the mental health of the patient):
1.   How much Leigh-weigh is allowed for Buddhists to make their own ethical decisions?
2.   What are the thought processes Buddhists follow when solving ethical dilemmas?
3.   How do Buddhists view modern medicinal practises such as the use of drugs and surgery?
4.   Are there any problems with bioethics from the ethical viewpoint of your religion?
5.   As a Buddhists how do you see the field of invasive surgery?
6.   Is psychosurgery or the act of operating on a person’s brain to alter certain attributes of the person justifiable? Why?
7.   Are their any aspects of psychosurgery that are are unethical for a practising Buddhist?
8.   Would the decision to allow psychosurgery be justifiable in any circumstance? Why?

Answer
Hi Patrick,

Thank you for asking me; but first I must remind you that I am no doctor and I know nothing about this topic.

However I can answer you by using my common sense.  Buddhism is not about what you can do, or what you can't do.  It is about what you choose to do.  You rightly use the term "ethical" and not "spiritual" or some "commandment."  

Please note that these are purely my personal opinion; and many Buddhists may disagree with me.

1. How much Leigh-weigh (leeway ?) is allowed for Buddhists to make their own ethical decisions?
As much as they want.

2. What are the thought processes Buddhists follow when solving ethical dilemmas?
Will the action harm me?
Will the action harm others?
Will the action bring any benefit?

3. How do Buddhists view modern medicinal practises such as the use of drugs and surgery?
So long as they are "life-saving" it is good.

4. Are there any problems with bioethics from the ethical viewpoint of your religion?
You have to consider the real reasons behind such things.

5. As a Buddhists how do you see the field of invasive surgery?
Again, the reasons behind each case.  If it is to ease the patient's pain/problems then why not?  

6. Is psychosurgery or the act of operating on a person’s brain to alter certain attributes of the person justifiable? Why?
In the first place, are we sure that such procedure is effective?  Even so, if we can alter evil attributes then it will be a blessing.  But can we?

7. Are there any aspects of psychosurgery that are unethical for a practising Buddhist?
You may like to refer to answer #2 with slight modification.
Will the action harm the person?
Will the action harm others?
Will the action bring any benefit?

8. Would the decision to allow psychosurgery be justifiable in any circumstance? Why?
I think you know my answer, by now!

I just like to reiterate:
"Please note that these are purely my personal opinion; and many Buddhists may disagree with me.  Some Buddhist scholars may even quote "relevent" texts to refute me.  I am not a Buddhist scholar, so I would not go into a debate."

Take care.

Justin Choo