A Bowl Passed, A Hand Received

[Seiryu]

I currently work in an organization that provides food, shelter and aid to those experiencing homelessness here in NYC. And during my time here, some of the more frequent comments made by those who come to volunteer and serve the meals is that helping the homeless and helping those in need makes me reflect on how good I have it in my life, and how I should be more grateful because at least I do not have to be on the other side of this serving table (paraphrasing the comments, but this is general gist of it).

And I too, once shared that sentiment, that “at least I ain't going through that” but truly, I now feel, that's not the most skillful mindset to have. Those experiencing homelessness are not worse than I am, I am not better than they are. No one is above or below. No one is better or worse. Some are housed, some are not, just causes and conditions unfolding.

Meeting happens where we stand. The same sky covers us, the same ground holds us. And often, those who have lost the most carry a wisdom I can only bow to, because in some of the interactions I have seen, those who are experiencing a state most would dread seem to be expressing the Dharma to a degree I can only aspire to.


Gassho.

SAT/LAH

[Bion]

Thank you for sharing! It is always useful to look at ourselves from a different perspective and see something new and unexpected or to learn something we were missing about ourselves, others and the relationship between the two.

You say “it is all causes and conditions unfolding”. That’s a great observation and, I would say, a tremendous wake up call. As good observers of that reality, we understand that rather than play dead in the middle of karmic entanglements, our duty as bodhisattvas and buddhists is to both put in place the causes necessary for good results and to help others figure out that they should do the same. As a matter of fact, the 45th of the minor Precepts says that a disciple of the Buddha has the duty, wherever he is, to say aloud “You, sentient beings should all take the Three Refuges and receive the Ten Major Precepts”. In other words: learn how to live life in a way that creates good causes and conditions. After all, the Buddha's teaching was above all a practical way of living life free of suffering.
Sorry for running a bit long.

Gassho
sat lah

[Seiko]

I am a novice here, so please take anything I say with a pinch of salt.

In the little contact I have had with homeless people, they have needed to be heard as much as to have shelter or a square meal.

And yes. We meet people where we are, they meet us where they are.

Gasshō, Seiko, stlah

[Koriki]

And often, those who have lost the most carry a wisdom I can only bow to, because in some of the interactions I have seen, those who are experiencing a state most would dread seem to be expressing the Dharma to a degree I can only aspire to.

Beautiful observation. Thank you for this post.

Gassho,
Koriki
s@lah

[Kokuu]

Thank you, Seiryu. That is a lovely observation and there is great service and great teaching in both being giver and receiver.

Sometimes we are the one holding the bowl, sometimes the one placing offerings into it.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-