374. When I Am Empty

It’s when I am empty that I’m able to see. I see the self and the world as a single whole that is also multiple, as me and also not me. I see the needs of living beings as necessities that require my action. I see how the failure to meet needs produces pain and suffering, which in turn causes other needs to go unmet.

I see that an end to this cycle is possible only with greater awareness. I see that I can help my awareness expand by becoming more flexible, open, and sensitive, which means I need to allow myself to pay attention to everything. I see that it is when I’m most attentive that I also understand how to act. I see that I need no instruction or command from others to tell me what is best.

I see that I’m more capable of helping others when I am free of my own self-produced suffering. I see that I can help others reach greater awareness for themselves by helping them become more flexible, open, and sensitive. I see that assisting others towards greater awareness requires me to act creatively, for every person is unique and they will respond differently to my efforts.

I see that everything I do must be directed towards the needs of living beings, including the endless need for awareness. I see that the problem of need cannot be solved by any single person and requires everyone’s effort. I see that I suffer when others suffer and I feel joy when others feel joy. I see that suffering is never eliminated for me unless it is also eliminated for all living beings.

I see that the task of meeting needs is the task of compassion. I see that it is by acting from compassion that I receive the gifts of purpose and joy. I see that to live joyfully is to act always from compassion and that the most joyful world is the one where every action is compassionate.