When you truly help others, you
truly help yourself too -
by increasing your compassion - for others and yourself. -
stonepeace
In the Doraemon (Xiao Dingdang) cartoons, the genie-like
Doraemon produces all kinds of incredible gadgetry in his attempts
to better Nobita's (Daxiong) life. Seemingly without fail, Nobita
uses each device successfully at first, before abusing it - causing
Doraemon and himself more distress than joy. While we might instinctively point our fingers at
Nobita for his continual foolishness, Doraemon is also at
fault - for Doraemon never truly learnt... that Nobita never
truly learnt from his mistakes. Directly helping Nobita with
shortcuts becomes harming him instead, though indirectly. That
assumed ultimately skilful became ultimately unskilful.
Sometimes, the best way to help is not to help. Just as toddlers
can only be helped so much to take their first steps, parents have
to "let go" at some point to let them do it themselves - even if it
involves falling. Though it is common
to think that "it's the thought that counts", the best of
intentions should end with the best of results. If not, our good
intentions are simply not good enough - probably because they were
not adequately guided by wisdom. When in doubt about the
consequences of our actions, it is best to reconsider them.
Likewise, when certain about the consequences, it is best to
reflect on whether we are really that sure! - Shen Shi'an
The ultimate wish-fulfilling jewel
is the well-practised Dharma. - stonepeace
