We Shine Rightly in the Place We Are Given

At times, with good intentions, we try to do many things ourselves. But some work can be done better by someone who has practiced it for a long time. In such moments, rather than forcing ourselves to hold every task, it may be wiser to do the work that is ours more sincerely and to respect and support the labor of others.

We can learn this heart by looking at people selling goods in the market. Someone spends the whole day offering things and food made by their own hands, and someone else receives them and helps life continue. The seller does their work with care, and the buyer recognizes that effort and receives what is needed. When we respect one another's place, even a small exchange becomes help and gratitude.

It is the same for practitioners. A practitioner is most fitting when the mind is gathered in practice, study, and prayer. Of course, the wish to help with other work is precious, but if we lose our original study and force ourselves to hold work we are not used to, much energy may be spent while the result does not deepen. At such a time, turning our strength back to our own work and recognizing and helping those who do that work well is the better path.

The Buddha's teaching also gives this kind of image. The sun shines in the day, and the moon shines at night. A soldier is fitting when equipped with the appearance and work of a soldier, and a practitioner is fitting when doing the work of a practitioner. This does not mean comparing ourselves with others. It means that each person should shine rightly in their own place.

Keeping one's own place is not becoming narrow. Rather, it is the way the mind stops scattering and gathers strength. When I sincerely do what I can do well and respect the skill and effort of others, we help one another live. Today's practice begins right there.