In Taiwan, a professor writes under the pen name Yunhe. He once studied in the United States and considered himself highly educated, strongly influenced by a scientific worldview. Initially, he viewed the concept of “karma” as no more than a myth or, worse yet, a tactic fabricated by religious figures to propagate their doctrines. At the time, the idea that one’s good deeds would reap future rewards — or that harmful actions would bring eventual retribution — seemed entirely unscientific to him, as there were no concrete, observable proofs in his eyes.
However, life experiences, especially those that defy explanation, can sometimes change even the most skeptical minds. After repeatedly witnessing and experiencing peculiar phenomena that he could not rationalize away, Yunhe realized that science has yet to explore many aspects of the universe. Unusual coincidences, the fortuitous avoidance of danger, and stories of people receiving their “just desserts” raised difficult questions: Were these random or part of some more extensive, unseen system? Gradually, he found himself reconsidering the topic of karma.
Convinced there was more to this mysterious concept than meets the eye, Yunhe started compiling stories and anecdotes related to karmic retribution—both positive and negative. Drawing on case studies of individuals who performed good and bad deeds and their subsequent impact on their lives, he eventually compiled his findings into a book. He took it upon himself to print and distribute copies to interested readers, encouraging them to “avoid all evil and practice all good.” This transition — from a skeptical academic to a promoter of moral and spiritual teachings — highlights how compelling real-life evidence can be when it defies conventional understanding.
A doctor’s role in karma
In many societies, doctors hold a revered position because of their ability to treat illnesses, alleviate physical and psychological suffering, and restore patients to a state of health and vitality. Their specialized knowledge, gained through years of rigorous study, allows them to perform tasks that were once considered nearly miraculous — sewing up wounds, resetting bones, and even transplanting organs.
However, not all doctors are driven by the same moral or ethical compass. Some dedicate themselves to medicine because they feel a calling to help others. They continually learn, refine their skills, and feel genuine compassion for patients, regardless of financial gain. Unfortunately, others see the medical profession as a shortcut to wealth, focusing more on maximizing profits than patient outcomes. In discussions of karma, many people note that in the medical field — where stakes are high regarding health and money — retribution (positive or negative) seems to manifest more swiftly and more dramatically.
A cautionary tale: A greedy doctor
One of the most striking examples of quick karmic retribution involves a well-known doctor in a southern Taiwanese town. Renowned for his exceptional medical skills, he attracted patients from near and far. These were often individuals who had tried multiple hospitals with little to no success, and many traveled long distances in desperate hope of relief. The doctor became so popular that one had to queue at his clinic as early as six to be seen before noon. As his reputation grew, the number of daily patients soared, and in any other story, this might have been the model of a kind and successful practitioner.
Tragically, however, the situation played out quite differently. Even though he was already financially successful, the doctor saw an opportunity to charge exorbitant fees. He justified his high prices by pointing out his years of expertise, but the truth was much more straightforward: Many of his patients were in dire straits, suffering from advanced or complicated conditions, and felt they had nowhere else to turn.
Knowing this, he imposed fees far beyond what most people could afford (this was before Taiwan’s National Health Insurance was implemented). Patients who had not expected such sky-high costs were routinely shocked when it came time to pay, and those who pleaded for discounts or repayment plans often met with utter humiliation.
In a practice that seemed almost designed to destroy the dignity of those who were most vulnerable, the doctor would openly mock patients who admitted they could not afford the medication. Even worse, his wife, who handled payments, would sometimes pour the prescribed medication into the trash in front of everyone as a harsh “lesson” to those who dared seek life-saving treatment with insufficient funds. Such cruel treatment sowed anger, resentment, and despair among patients, yet for a while, his clinic continued to thrive simply because people had nowhere else to turn.
However, karma—or perhaps simple cause and effect — came swiftly for this doctor. His once-booming practice started to decline. Patients who could find alternatives or had learned of his behavior gradually began taking their business elsewhere. Rumors of his predatory fees spread through the local community. Additionally, his wife fell into a gambling habit, squandering large sums on bets and being swindled by con artists. Poor business decisions and unwise investments caused further financial devastation. In a few years, the doctor who once boasted immense wealth and reportedly hired several bank employees to count his nightly takings found himself drowning in debt.
Eventually, bad checks and legal violations led to his arrest. He wound up in prison, penniless, his once-thriving clinic empty. Patients who had once queued at six in the morning now found other doctors, many of them far more compassionate. This shocking reversal of fortune — from unimaginable wealth to abject poverty and incarceration — became a local cautionary tale, underscoring that even those at the pinnacle of worldly success cannot escape the consequences of immoral behavior.
The kind doctor’s reward
In stark contrast, other local doctors in the same region charged very reasonable fees. They treat the poor and underprivileged compassionately, frequently offering discounts or waiving charges. Notably, they also extended this generosity to monastics — monks and nuns who typically have limited financial means — believing that acts of charity would, at the very least, bring them peace of mind and serve the wider community.
The compassionate doctors discovered that this benevolence did more than earn them goodwill: Their clinics became even busier, filled with patients from neighboring counties and cities. Some people traveled from the far north or south of Taiwan based on glowing recommendations and personal testimonials of successful recoveries. The sense of trust that developed between doctors and patients was palpable; people felt respected, cared for, and supported. The environment of kindness likely influenced treatment outcomes, as individuals who believe their medical provider genuinely cares about their well-being may respond more positively to the healing process.
For example, one doctor spoke of seeing over a hundred patients every day, a staggering number, yet he seldom turned anyone away. Many residents marveled at the seemingly endless queue; some even remarked on the “miraculous” recoveries of those with chronic conditions. While modern medicine might explain these successful treatments through appropriate diagnostics and quality care, local folklore and spiritual-minded observers attributed them to the doctor’s good karma, suggesting that his dedication to helping others without exploiting them earned him divine favor or cosmic reward.
Beyond science: Reflections on karma
In an increasingly secular and scientifically driven world, stories of karmic retribution can seem simplistic or superstitious. Yet, even those who approach these topics with skepticism can appreciate the underlying moral framework they offer. People who help others and practice genuine compassion often receive intangible benefits: a good reputation, a strong support network, and loyal patients or clients. Conversely, those who exploit or mistreat the vulnerable can expect, at minimum, damaged relationships and reputations that eventually undermine their success.
The Taiwanese professor Yunhe discovered that living by ethical principles — whether one labels them as “karma” or a simple consequence of actions — can lead to outcomes that science alone cannot fully predict. In a similar vein, these doctor stories illustrate how moral integrity can have a direct impact on one’s prosperity and longevity in a profession. Whether interpreting these stories as spiritual lessons or practical life advice, they remind us that our choices ripple far beyond our immediate circumstances.
In closing
While karma may remain a point of debate among those seeking empirical evidence, real-life anecdotes continue to shape public perception. The morally bankrupt doctor losing everything he once cherished and the kindhearted physicians thriving financially and spiritually highlight the dramatic extremes of human behavior.
For Professor Yunhe, these stories resonated deeply, confirming his belief that “avoid all evil and practice all good” is a religious maxim and an essential guideline for a harmonious life and a thriving community. In the end, whether we call it karma, social dynamics, or simply the reward of a good reputation, the story’s moral endures: Our actions have consequences, and compassion and integrity often pave the way to lasting success.
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