"Keep these three inseparable: action, speech, thoughts..."
Buddhist slogan
When we say something (suggest an answer), this can make a situation more polarized. The person we are trying to help--the situation we are trying to rectify--the problem we are trying to solve-- may simply convince us of our separateness, our own feelings of isolation and frustration. So often when we SAY something, meaning to be helpful, meaning to be wise and uplifting, it comes off to the listener as preaching, or inappropriate intrusiveness or unwanted information. Our reaction to the lack of gratitude ("Hey! I was only trying to help you out!") becomes yet another nail in the coffin of our lonely existence.
However, when we add reaching out, via thought and action, speech becomes the vehicle for our outreach. The three, together, support our attempts to communicate. They build a platform for our hearts. How much easier for people to trust us if they see we're giving thought to their suffering. We are actually going to back our opinions through a commitment to action. Our speech isn't a "speech", then, but an invitation to friendship. It is an affirmation of shared humanity.
Or so it is suggested by the lojong teachings.
Action, speech, thoughts. Inseparable tools.
Buddhist slogan
When we say something (suggest an answer), this can make a situation more polarized. The person we are trying to help--the situation we are trying to rectify--the problem we are trying to solve-- may simply convince us of our separateness, our own feelings of isolation and frustration. So often when we SAY something, meaning to be helpful, meaning to be wise and uplifting, it comes off to the listener as preaching, or inappropriate intrusiveness or unwanted information. Our reaction to the lack of gratitude ("Hey! I was only trying to help you out!") becomes yet another nail in the coffin of our lonely existence.
However, when we add reaching out, via thought and action, speech becomes the vehicle for our outreach. The three, together, support our attempts to communicate. They build a platform for our hearts. How much easier for people to trust us if they see we're giving thought to their suffering. We are actually going to back our opinions through a commitment to action. Our speech isn't a "speech", then, but an invitation to friendship. It is an affirmation of shared humanity.
Or so it is suggested by the lojong teachings.
Action, speech, thoughts. Inseparable tools.
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