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Helping others but harming yourself?

lotuspadmalotuspadma
edited October 2011 in Buddhism Basics
It's not always that we get to help people and help ourselves as well. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, hurt ourselves so that others can be happy. But is that alright? Isn't it unwholesome to harm yourself for whichever reason, or is it the intention that counts? Also, I read that the Buddha once threw himself to a tiger mother so that she could feed his body to her cubs. That means that would be a wholesome action, for instance?

Comments

  • taiyakitaiyaki Veteran
    yourself is an other.

    take care of everyone.
  • Tikal2012Tikal2012
    edited October 2011
    You're right. If helping an other ever puts yourself in jeopardy then do not do it.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    It's not always that we get to help people and help ourselves as well. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, hurt ourselves so that others can be happy. But is that alright? Isn't it unwholesome to harm yourself for whichever reason, or is it the intention that counts?
    I think it depends on circumstance. Self-sacrifice is all well and good, but what's your motivation?

    And are you practising Wise Compassion, or Idiot Compassion?

    Idiot Compassion does the work the victim should be doing, for them.
    Wise Compassion enables them without their becoming dependent on you.

  • vintagelotvintagelot
    well said federica - there has to be a balance used when helping people to be compassionate almost like a scale. Sometimes helping people too much can lead them too depend on you too much.
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