Sorry for not coming back earlier with my answer to the Eagle and Snake story below.
This is my interpretation and is definitely not the only way.
If I choose not to do anything, I have shown that I have no compassion.. Just like seeing a person falling in front of you, you can choose to help him up or pretend you didn't see and walk on.
I think I will choose to take a stone, aim as best as I can, with the intention to break up the situation and not to create more hurt and pain. The intention of not causing harm is important, and the action is as best as I can.
If I miss, I will not throw any stone again... taking a second shot and a 3rd shot would mean that I am attached to the situation, and therefore not letting go (not follow the law of the Karma).
This is an example of how we can balance compassion and wisdom, without overly attachment, with letting it go after your best attempt. I have learned to do my best and also to learn to let go when situation is beyond my control.
I welcome your teachings on such situation.
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7 comments:
True, I guess you taught me to see the same thing from a different perspective.
robin..i have missed being here...your lessons are just what i needed to read today..thankyou...
k:))
Learning to recognize the difference between what we can and what we cannot control is not easy, but important, as is understanding that we may not succeed at it.
Like a coin, compassion has two sides. Should we be compassionate to the snake or to the eagle? They each have their own story, their need. If they could talk to tell us their story, we'd then be able to act more justly. Oh well....One of life's unsolvable mysteries. Have a nice day, Robin.
Hi Robin
It's been a while. Tks for writing even though I've not engaged online for almost two years. I realised I was rambling too much and it really seemed like a clashing cymbal or a huge sounding brass with not much meaning. I think you score better in this than many who keep rambling on self.
I've chosen to go on a Bible course the whole of last year and am continuing this year. I find my thoughts more focused on impt things in life esp on family and community.
I'll pop by more often, and I must say this, your talk on the blog is worth much more than millions of ramblings in blogsphere.
Cheers!
发一路发。Fatt yat lou fatt (Cantonese). Lovely 4 digits :D
In the story of the snake and the eagle, I am part of their world, not separate from them, and I am also an observer. If I have compassion for both of them, I let them be. The eagle needs the snake and the snake needs the eagle. Only my ego would intervene in such a scenario. My ego would bring the near enemy of compassion which is pity. Pema Chodron and Shantideva both speak about the near enemies of compassion. They can explain far better than me.
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Thanks for your teachings.