At an event sponsored by the ROC Epilepsy Association, Tzu Chi Hospital, and two pharmaceutical companies, 116 epileptics and their families from around Taiwan visited the Abode of Still Thoughts and met with Master Cheng Yen. They also enjoyed a wonderful, peaceful outdoor trip amid the beautiful scenery of the Taroko National Park.

Many epileptics and their families fear that seizures will endanger the patients, so they generally do not travel. This time, doctors and volunteers accompanied the group and helped them feel at ease.

Dr. Shih Mao-hsiung, chairperson of the Epilepsy Association, said that if patients could take medicine periodically to control the disease, they could have good personal relationships, go to school, find jobs or even marry. He mentioned that the general public does not treat epileptics fairly because the disease is often misunderstood. For example, some teachers do not know how to deal with students whose epilepsy has just been diagnosed. They simply ask the parents to take the children home for treatment and to bring them back to school "when they get better." This only violates the children's right to learn. Parents do not tell the children the facts of their disease, thus creating low self-esteem that interferes with the children's friendships, future business and marriage. About one-third of epileptics cannot get jobs. Other cases show that there is a need to instruct the public about the disease and to build up confidence in the patients' minds.

Teacher Peng Ju-yu says that the abilities of epileptics deserve affirmation. She is not afraid to tell others that she has the disease, because she does not think the illness is shameful or something to be afraid of. Nurse Cheng Hui-chung says that she takes medicine periodically, so her illness is under control and does not interfere with her job. When others see her taking her medicine, she tells them frankly that it is for her epilepsy.

"Illness is not frightening. What is frightening is an unhealthy mind." When the patients visited the Abode, Master Cheng Yen told them that medical science was improving and that society was becoming more caring. Epileptics should open their minds and be optimistic. That same day was also the day for the monthly relief distribution, and all Tzu Chi members were doing their jobs. The Master hoped that epileptics could also actively offer themselves and their abilities.