‘The perfume of sandalwood,
Rosebay or jasmine
Cannot travel against the wind.
But the fragrance of virtue
Travels even against the wind,
As far as the ends of the world.
Like garlands woven from a heap of flowers,
Fashion from your life as many good deeds.’
This is from the Dhammapada, an esteemed text in the Pali Tipitaka, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, and is translated by Thomas Byron here.
Today, Eastern Philosophy is abundantly shared. But much of the essence of teachings is lost. It was about aligning oneself with one’s higher self, in order to help as many people as possible. Kindness and compassion. Love and gratitude. They’re not just hashtags, but the foundations of being a human, so that they could be extended outwards, generously. Spirituality is about helping humanity.
It is so wonderful everyone is today able through technology, to donate to any organisation or fund at the click of a button. I also ask of us, what are we doing EACH DAY to be of service? Who are we helping in our lives? How are we connecting with those we know and those we do not? How can we not hurry past someone that rough sleep, is homeless, and instead ask what they need and how we can help? Someone at work that seems off, can we ask the uncomfortable question, are you okay? Can we listen? Can we help? Can we offer a few hours a week at a local shelter? Can we give an hour of our time a week at an animal shelter, even helping with admin tasks which they need intensely? Can we offer our services, the things we know how to do, may it be cooking, photography, design, advertising, it doesn’t matter what – to any charity we admire? Can we work out, why am I here? On this earth?
The question on our mind should not be what can I get, but what can I give?
Written with love,
Jac x