The Living Journal -Would you have touched them ? Yes I would.

I am reading this news today with lots of heartfelt emotions towards with this article self titled ; Would you touch him? 

Janne, the man in the video, is a positive man living with HIV, He has partnered up with a broadcasting company and took to the streets of Helsinki, Finland, to see how people would react. People look at him, read the sign and keep on walking, seeming rather confused by the gesture.

But despite all of the weird glances coming his way, the man stands there, unwavering. It pays off when a few moments later one woman stops, squeezes his hand, and continues.

Eventually, people are seen stopping in their tracks to turn around and give him a pat on the shoulder.  

The support begins to get overwhelming when two women take it upon themselves to not only touch him, but to hug him.

To his joy, those were just the beginning of many hugs that he received throughout the day, some of which that came from children.

At the end of the video, the man is seen tearing up, overcome by the acts of kindness he had received throughout the experience.

Discrimination is one manifestation of stigma. HIV/AIDS stigma exists around the world in a variety of forms, including ostracism, rejection and discrimination.  I had been involved with volunteering services that provided by NGOS. I am having some Positive living Buddhist and Christian friends and who are living mentally, physically healthy lifestyle and many had devoted their lives into their respective faiths.

I had visited the patients at the Hospital and centers , numerous of times to support and care for the patients. I felt for their pains, sufferings and not because I am a Buddhist, but rather as a human beings, we too will be suffering in a different ways and in a different ending cycle of life.

This is one of the article I would like to share and it is courtesy by this Buddhist link :-
http://www.buddhanet.net/sangha-metta/aids4noble.html

To love but not to hate,
To accept but not to reject, 
To offers your loves and helps with your open heart , 
To respect with your dignity and genuine compassion.