Core Tenet #1: Do No Harm

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Topic: Core Tenet #1: 


Do no harm, unless in self-defense. (It’s important to note that when I say “self-defense,” I mean protecting yourself from real physical or psychological harm. If you must hurt someone to protect yourself, only do so as much as you have to.) Treat others with compassion and patience; everyone comes to Enlightenment in their own time and in their own way. 


This is arguably the most important of the Core Tenets. The intent to do no harm should inform all your decisions, words, and actions.  

Kindness can be challenging. It seems to go against our nature to be kind to someone we dislike or just don’t know. But being compassionate and patient with others is as much for our own benefit as it is for theirs; kindness leads to the ultimate Virtue and Blessing of Serenity and Peace. When your heart is kind, your mind is serene. When you choose to think or act negatively, your mind cannot be serene. Kindness also begets kindness; a stranger may become a friend with a single kind act.  


It’s also important to be patient with other people. In any sort of open public discourse, especially on social media, it seems we are actively encouraged to be as awful to one another as possible. It’s often tempting to tear somebody apart online for having political views that oppose your own. While it may not seem actively harmful to do so, you don’t know what kind of effect your words might have, or what that person may be going through. They will find Enlightenment in their own time. Harsh words from you will not further them on the path to Enlightenment, nor will it help you on your own path. But if you show them Patience, not only do you maintain your Serenity, but they are also more likely to at least listen to your viewpoint, even if they may never agree with you. And it is perfectly okay, in most cases, to agree to disagree and still remain civil. Do not allow the opinions of others disturb your inner Peace. 


It isn’t always easy to be kind. People will always tax your Patience, but with Self-Control and Mindfulness, we can strive to show Compassion to our fellow humans and inspire others to do the same. 


Namaste. 

Reverend CJ Carlin  

 

 

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