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by swombat 3712 days ago
Using your power, whatever it may be, to help others is one thing. Deliberately, actively, perhaps even desperately seeking more power to help more people is another. The first is a form of compassion. The other is a form of pride. Why do these others need your help? Have they asked for it? Are you seeking that power to help or because you like power? Lots of questions that muddy the water there.

There are certain things, like enlightenment, which naturally slip out of your grasp the moment you try to deliberately reach out for them.

2 comments

Eh, I think there's a bit more to that dichotomous statement than you think. In the context of the end result, the motivation doesn't necessarily matter, just so long as the end result is good and is also done without Feel Good approaches. Mind you, I'm not talking about the end goal, just the results. I spend a lot of time trying to help others and it's definitely an almost equal mixture of pride and compassion, so what you're saying sounds pretty redonk.
What if there are easy paths to enlightenment and we just don't understand them yet?

This is one reason that very well established traditions make me nervous.

If you find it, please let us know before you reach the state of Nirvana.
Here's another path - a mixture of pride and compassion. One nirvana please.