Once, Mahatma Gandhi encountered a man trying to carry three suitcases at a British railway station. Gandhi offered to help him and carried two of them. Upon arriving at the man’s home, Gandhi set the suitcases down and they fell over. The man was so upset that he slapped Gandhi. Gandhi didn’t respond. When the man opened his bag to pay him, Gandhi explained that he had helped him not in hope of payment, but because he saw him struggling. Hearing this, the man felt tremendous regret.
Excerpt from: “Change of Heart: The Bodhisattva Peace Training of Chagdud Tulku” by Lama Shenpen Drolma.
Reading such accounts is hard not to immediately compare and find oneself lacking. I know I’ve yet too much pride to be able to accomplish such a feat of humility without harboring ill will but it is an aspiration of mine.
Whether I’m tired, sick or hungry may I never retreat or stop striving. May I ever be concerned with the true welfare of all.
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