The childish work for their own benefit,
The Buddhas work for the benefit of others.
Just look at the difference between them.
Whoever wishes to quickly afford protection
To both himself and others
Should practice that holy secret:
The exchanging of self for others.
You are not here to change the world.
The world is here to change you.
~ Shantideva ~
Today I have this quote because of another series of posts on FB. Here it is very cold. The homeless are just as homeless regardless of the weather. One woman spoke of her desire to help one such person and her ensuing hesitation. She wanted to offer him a coffee and some money. It’s so cold. How could anyone spend the night outside? Indeed. Where do I begin?
Everyone has their own destiny in life. I believe we are all here to learn and grow. If life sends us challenges it is part of the curriculum sort of speak. The argument most commonly brought fourth is that no one chooses to live a life of suffering. Really? How do we know? It could be that we invite it by neglecting to see the signs to change. Personally I have often encountered situations where once I realize there is a lesson there, the situation goes away. Plus history speaks of many who have chosen a life of poverty. Who are we to judge anything or anyone?
The homeless are everywhere. I see them. I occasionally speak to them and always I treat them like the members of the human race that they are. I do not know their stories. I do know that I can learn to be respectful and kind. Empathy is the ability to sense and understand someone else’s feelings as if they were our own. Showing empathy is one way the world can change us.
Ciao!
Bianca
P.S. On the subject of judgement: Once a friend’s father was having a heart attack. He had collapsed on the sidewalk and was trying to ask for help. A young man passed by, looked at him in disdain, and told my friend’s father that he did not help drunks. Luckily someone else realized he needed medical help and called an ambulance.
Join and invite others onto the Bianca Basso Group on Facebook or become a member on our site
The Buddhas work for the benefit of others.
Just look at the difference between them.
Whoever wishes to quickly afford protection
To both himself and others
Should practice that holy secret:
The exchanging of self for others.
You are not here to change the world.
The world is here to change you.
~ Shantideva ~
Today I have this quote because of another series of posts on FB. Here it is very cold. The homeless are just as homeless regardless of the weather. One woman spoke of her desire to help one such person and her ensuing hesitation. She wanted to offer him a coffee and some money. It’s so cold. How could anyone spend the night outside? Indeed. Where do I begin?
Everyone has their own destiny in life. I believe we are all here to learn and grow. If life sends us challenges it is part of the curriculum sort of speak. The argument most commonly brought fourth is that no one chooses to live a life of suffering. Really? How do we know? It could be that we invite it by neglecting to see the signs to change. Personally I have often encountered situations where once I realize there is a lesson there, the situation goes away. Plus history speaks of many who have chosen a life of poverty. Who are we to judge anything or anyone?
The homeless are everywhere. I see them. I occasionally speak to them and always I treat them like the members of the human race that they are. I do not know their stories. I do know that I can learn to be respectful and kind. Empathy is the ability to sense and understand someone else’s feelings as if they were our own. Showing empathy is one way the world can change us.
Ciao!
Bianca
P.S. On the subject of judgement: Once a friend’s father was having a heart attack. He had collapsed on the sidewalk and was trying to ask for help. A young man passed by, looked at him in disdain, and told my friend’s father that he did not help drunks. Luckily someone else realized he needed medical help and called an ambulance.
Join and invite others onto the Bianca Basso Group on Facebook or become a member on our site