Monday 14 November 2016

FULL MOON - Self-harming

If you intentionally harm
an innocent person,
someone who is pure and blameless,
the harm will come back to you
like fine dust thrown into the wind.

Dhammapada v. 125

To grow up surrounded by people who show us a good example of what is wholesome and what is not is a great blessing. And one of the most important lessons that they could teach us is that what we get back from life is determined by what we put into it. Even if we are not blessed by carers who were completely wise and skilful, it is never too late to teach ourselves; we can always develop more mindfulness, restraint and wise reflection. Those who fail to learn this basic lesson fall prey to myriad forms of delusion. For example, they don't see how when they mistreat others, they mistreat themselves too. It is pitiable to observe when those in a position of influence misuse their power, creating more suffering instead of generating causes for increased well-being.

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