I like a particular phrase in the West. When you do something for someone and they say, “Thank you,” you reply, “My pleasure.” You do not feel pleasure because you expect a reward; you feel pleasure in the doing. I realize it is only a saying, and the person saying it may not be sincere, but it is a good phrase and it supports what I am talking about. If you truly feel this kind of pleasure when you say it, then you are someone who will be receptive to Buddhadharma.

In your practice you need to reflect on your true motives and intentions. This is another way of contemplating no wisdom and no attainment. Do you really mean it when you say, “My pleasure?” It is good practice to be aware of whether you do something for the doing’ s sake or for personal gain. If you maintain this awareness, you will tend to be peaceful, stable, smooth, and natural, not prone to swift changes in moods and feelings. However, it is difficult to maintain this level of awareness without cultivating it.