Hoshindo OATH AND COVENANT

   I swear by all the Hoshindo Masters of my lineage, making them my witness, that I state these promises freely and upon my honour, before this assembly, to fulfill this oath and covenant.

   I will honour and offer respect and gratitude for the wisdom of my teacher, who has taught me this art, like a parent in whose footsteps I walk.

   I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; the health of my patient will be my first consideration.

   I will maintain by all means in my power, the honour and noble traditions of Hoshindo; I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, race, age, politics, gender, or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.

   I will meet those who seek my help as if they were my close relative, remembering there is an art to Hoshindo as well as a science and that warmth, compassion and understanding should be graciously given.

   I will not use my knowledge contrary to the natural laws of healing and will practice my profession faithfully, for prevention is preferable to cure. To honour life is the essence of the healing arts, even while knowing that death will come to us all.

   I will respect the privacy of my patients and hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and coming to my knowledge.

   I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of Hoshindo, and with loyalty will endeavor to work closely with my patients and other healthcare colleagues in order to devote myself to the welfare of those in my care.

   Hoshindo is one of the paths designated by Heaven, devoted to healing, and loving people and nature. I bow in reverence and gratitude to the honeybee, without whom there could be no healing in Hoshindo nor life on Mother Earth, and before this assembly offer myself as a Keeper and Guardian of the Bees.

   If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection when I die. May I long experience the joy of healing those who seek the medicines of Hoshindo, expressed through the spirit and the light of the Bees.

The Hoshindo Oath and Covenant
The Hoshindo Society of the Americas
Voyce Durling-Jones Sensei ©2010

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