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"我们在这生命中的首要目的是帮助他人。如果你不能帮助他们,至少不要伤害他们。"

Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama Spiritual Leader
Translations
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Quote meaning
The essence of this quote is about being kind and compassionate. It's saying that our main goal while we're here is to assist and support others. And if, for some reason, we find ourselves unable to help, the least we can do is not cause harm. It's about doing good whenever possible, and at the very least, avoiding doing bad.

This quote is often attributed to the Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader known for his teachings on compassion and kindness. He has spent his life advocating for peace and understanding, and this quote encapsulates his philosophy in a simple, powerful way. It's a reminder that even if we cannot always be a positive force, we must be careful not to be a negative one.

Think about a time when you were at a grocery store. You see an elderly person struggling to reach something on a high shelf. You can easily help them by reaching for the item. It’s a small act, but it makes their day a little easier. Now, imagine you’re in a hurry and you decide to ignore them. By not helping, you haven’t actively hurt them, but you've missed an opportunity to make a positive impact.

So, how can you apply this advice in your daily life? Start with small actions. Hold the door open for someone, smile at a stranger, or offer your seat on the bus. These might seem like tiny, insignificant gestures, but they can brighten someone’s day. And when you face situations where you can’t help, make sure you’re not making things worse. If you can’t donate to a cause, don’t undermine it by speaking negatively about it. If you can’t offer your time, don’t criticize those who can.

Imagine you're at work and a colleague is visibly stressed out. They have a big deadline approaching and you can see it's weighing on them. You have your own work, but you remember the core idea of helping others. So, you offer to assist with a small part of their project. They appreciate it more than you know, and it not only helps them but also strengthens your relationship. Now, picture the same scenario, but instead of helping, you criticize them for not managing their time well. Your words add to their stress and make the situation worse.

In this way, the wisdom of the quote is clear: strive to help where you can, and always be mindful not to inflict harm. Think about the impact of your actions and words. We all have the power to make the world a little better or a little worse with every interaction. By choosing kindness and refraining from harm, we contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world.

So next time you’re faced with a choice—no matter how small—remember that your prime purpose is to help. And if you can't do that, at least make sure you’re not causing harm. It’s a simple guideline, but one that can lead to a profound difference in the lives of those around you.
Related tags
Altruism Compassion Empathy Helping others Human values Kindness Non-harm Positive impact Purpose of life Support
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