That you got knocked down by this buffalo could mean that you owed the buffalo something from a previous life, perhaps your own life will suffer. As a Buddhist, you should understand karma. That you got knocked down by this buffalo could mean that you owed the buffalo something from a previous life, perhaps your own life; but because you were on a pilgrimage, you only suffered a broken leg. That is your karma. If you insist on going on, you will be a burden to the whole group, and you will only be creating more bad karma for yourself." Hearing this, she decided to return to Taiwan.

The key word is "try." Of course you should not do anything that would harm others, but you also should try to help. Whether or not you truly help them is another story, and it really isn't your concern.

STUDENT:

Trying to be compassionate all the time can become a mental burden, especially if it must be pounded into the brain moment after moment. Wouldn't it cut into all of our other thoughts, words and actions? Can we always be thinking about other people? Even when we are sitting on the toilet? It can be oppressive. Is there another way one can think about it?

SHIH-FU:

Don't forget what I said earlier. Don't do anything that will make you feel tense, tired or miserable. If you whip yourself all the time, you will be of no use to others or to yourself. Be as mindful as you can. With meditation as a supporting discipline and the Buddhadharma as your guideline, compassion will grow naturally. Do the best you can, but don't push too hard.

STUDENT: