All too often people think only of themselves. As you go about your daily life take notice as people sit by and watch bad things happen to others, or cause bad things to happen to others. Often they comfort themselves by saying: “better them, then me”. When something bad happens to someone else it affects not only that person but everyone that depends on that person. A mother, a father, a daughter or a son that’s waiting or in need of something, or someone.
When people act selfishly others suffer, but when people act selflessly others prosper.
In your daily life take notice when people help others. Something as simple as changing a tire for a mother on her way to the grocery store alleviates suffering not only for her but her family. This is where the idea of the golden rule comes into play: do unto others as you would have others do unto you. By limiting suffering to only one’s self we allow others to grow and prosper, if each person does this then suffering is removed from the world and everyone prospers, ourselves included.
Imagine a world where no one suffers.
As Jedi we must constantly and consciously remember this: By emphasizing the safety and serenity of others we in turn guarantee the safety and serenity of ourselves. For it is in placing importance on the self that the universe comes undone.
How does one accomplish this? Simple, by helping, whether it’s carrying a bag or changing a tire, nothing is too small to make a big difference. Lend an ear to someone in need of talking, bring a smile to someone sad, these may seem like trivial things yet to others they can make a mountain of difference.
When you wake up in the morning ask yourself: who is the most important person? Is the answer yourself? Or is it someone else? If you think of someone other than yourself right away then you are well on track to freeing the world of suffering and strife.
Comments 9
To quote Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing".
Or to quote Heather Small (M People): "what have you done today to make you feel proud?"
Who says philosophy and pop culture don't mix?!
When helping someone, and they would offer to pay me in some way, I used to tell them to not judge a book by it's cover, and that if a person needed help, to at least offer assistance..... Regarless of their mannerisms or dress...
Now, with the invention of cell phones, (wow I'm old), life has gotten busier, (I am working to slow it back down..), but I still call for stranded motorists, and when I see anything 'funny".... they tell me at the Neighborhood Watch Meetings to call, that is what they (the police) are there for...
If I do a deed, I percieve as good, yet another percieves as bad, what of the enegy created there?
I think we have discussed the "good and evil" aspects of things... I do understand your point though....
Lately I find myself saying.... "It is all perspective and perception"......
my general rule is: if it's legal and doesn't bring harm to anyone then it's good, if it's illegal and brings harm then it's bad, anything else is just a crapshoot as to how it will be perceived.