Theos-Talk Archives (January 1998 Message tt00266)

Lmhem111 wrote:
>
> mkr says:
>
> <All we can do is to make our little contribution to the solution.>
>
> This is true but the question is not being compassionate but how one defines
> compassion. Is making someone self-sufficient compassionate or is making
> someone dependent "compassionate"? Do you just feed the destitute ad infinitum
> or help them get on their collective feet by offering self-help programs? The
> good karma in giving is obvious. However, on the other side of the coin, the
> karma of just receiving endlessly seems to run counter to the notion of "self-
> induced and self-devised efforts" found in the Third Fundamental Principle.
> When the expectancy of continuously receiving sustenance from outside sources
> is always is there, doesn't that diminish the desire to pursue self-
> improvement and self-help? In other words, when does outside intervention
> become counterproductive?
>
> Lmhem111
>
You have raised some important questions. I don't have answers.

However, personally I take a very simple and basic approach. If I find
someone hungry, I try to help what I can to relieve hunger. When I do
that I do not think about Karma and other factors that may or may not be
relevant. When I see some one injured and bleeding, I try to stop and
help without looking at the causes which led to the problem or cures to
avoid repetition.

May be one day as time goes on, I may get a better understanding of how
the massive problems of hunger and suffering should be addressed. In the
meanwhile it is good to discuss these issues freely.

Regards

mkr