Antica Farmacia-Erboristeria Sant'Anna, Genova, Italy, 5/22/2019
The purpose of my trip to Europe two years ago was to visit monasteries where Western spirituality and ancient medicine coexist. Genoa was the perfect place to fulfill my needs. In Korea, spirituality and medicine were thoroughly divided. Perhaps it is because the modern civilization based on materialism is faithful to the black and white pathway. Ironically, even though Korea has a long historic heritage, as we have been thoroughly followed the flow of this era, a lot of the precious ancient spiritual culture disappeared. Without coexistence of mutual respect, there are exclusion and slander of each other even between ancient and modern medical expert groups. In this respect, I envy the attitudes of Western people toward spiritual culture and its preservation. Since spirituality presupposes the compassion for neighbor, medical application can be one of the essential spiritual tools. It was the same with the monks in Korea 200 years ago. There are quite a few monks who privately do medical activities as social service because its activity is illegal. The medical system as a heritage is not institutionalized as in Europe. This is demerit of capitalism that promotes specialization.
A friendly monk like uncle next door could not speak English, so I had to rely on Google Translator. I bought natural medicines for constipation, insomnia for my families and essential oils.
It's lunch time. Waiting and looking around.
Oops, I visited Avilla, hometown of st. Teresa before coming here. This monastery seems to be same branch!
