What does medical consent and autonomy look like from a Buddhist ethics perspective?

In my tradition, autonomy isn't about pure individual choice—it's about clear seeing. You have the right to refuse treatment. You also have the responsibility to understand why. I've sat with people who said no to surgery out of genuine wisdom about their values, and others who said no out of fear masquerading as philosophy. That's the difference. Buddhist ethics asks: Am I choosing from clarity or reactivity? Am I considering how my choice affects others who depend on me? A parent refusing lifesaving treatment has autonomy, yes—and also a child. This isn't about guilt. It's about honest seeing. When doctors describe options, bring your full presence. Ask what you don't understand. Notice where you feel resistance—is it truth, or is it fear? Your consent means something only when you're awake to what you're consenting to. The body makes demands. Sometimes wisdom means accepting help. Sometimes it means accepting what cannot be fixed. The practice is the same: don't decide from the small, frightened part of yourself. Wait until you can hear the part that knows what matters.