Service to Others – Morgan O. Smith

The Reflective Nature of Giving

In a world overwhelmingly focused on personal gain and self-promotion, the emphasis on service to others often gets sidelined, taken for granted or worse, perceived as a weakness. Yet, there lies an intrinsic truth waiting to be uncovered – a service we provide for others reverberates back, serving us in a myriad of unexpected ways.

Engaging in acts of service paves the way toward a richer understanding of life, enabling us to transcend the narrow confines of self-centeredness. When we reach out to others, providing aid without any ulterior motive, we transcend the ego, thus laying the foundation for personal growth and self-discovery. The truth is that every act of selfless service propels us into a deeper alignment with the universal law of interdependence. We begin to understand that by nurturing others, we nurture the best within ourselves.

Service to others enhances our empathy, patience, and understanding. It offers a lens through which we can view life from a different perspective, a perspective that’s not tainted by self-obsession but enriched by the diversity of human experience. This shift in perspective is vital for it nourishes the soil in which our transformation can thrive. As we devote ourselves to the service of others, we are inadvertently embarking on a journey of self-exploration, discovering aspects of our being that remain obscure amidst the hustle of self-centred pursuits.

Moreover, service isn’t merely about doing good to feel good. It’s about forging a profound connection with humanity and the world around us. It’s about coming to terms with the fact that our well-being is intrinsically tied to collective well-being.

Furthermore, when we serve others, we send forth a ripple of positive energy into the universe, which in due course, returns to us with amplified benevolence. The universe, in its boundless wisdom, has a way of reciprocating our good deeds, often in forms unanticipated.

This reflective nature of service isn’t about keeping score or awaiting a return on investment, it’s about recognizing that the energy we contribute to the world around us is the same energy that eventually shapes our reality.

So, as we extend our hands to serve others, we are essentially embarking on a path that not only enriches others’ lives but also cultivates a deeper sense of purpose, understanding, and connection within ourselves. Through service, we become a mirror, reflecting the beauty, struggles, and unyielding potential of humanity. In this act of giving, we receive, thus making service a soul-enriching endeavour, a silent yet profound dialogue between selflessness and self-discovery.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Path of the Saint and the Bodhisattva

In the boundless depths of the ocean, a remarkable creature flourishes – the octopus. With its eight arms and three hearts, the octopus presents a fascinating analogy for a life dedicated to compassion and altruism. What if I told you that by embracing the wisdom of the octopus, you could walk the path of a saint or a bodhisattva?

Three Hearts, One Soul

The octopus’s three hearts are not just intriguing biological features; they symbolize a trinity that is central to a life of selflessness – compassion, wisdom, and courage. These three tenets are the lifeblood that sustains the spirit of those who strive to benefit others. Just as the octopus’s hearts pump vitality through its body, these principles energize and direct our moral compass.

Compassion is the first heart. It moves us to alleviate the suffering of others. Wisdom, the second heart, grants the discernment to understand the complexities of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. The third heart, courage, gives us the strength to act upon our compassion and wisdom even in the face of adversity.

Arms That Give

Now, imagine your capabilities and resources as the arms of an octopus. These are the conduits through which the heart’s intent flows into action. With its eight arms, an octopus can achieve an astonishing level of multitasking and adaptability. Likewise, when we apply our varied talents and strengths in the service of others, we, too, can touch many lives. The octopus doesn’t discriminate as to which of its arms is more worthy; similarly, no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

The Saint and the Bodhisattva: A Singular Journey

To “be like the saint” is to embrace a life of purity, humility, and service. This aligns closely with the path of the bodhisattva in Buddhism, who seeks enlightenment not for personal gain but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A true saint, like a bodhisattva, doesn’t keep score. The concept of giving without expecting anything in return is deeply rooted in this path. This is not to be confused with self-neglect; rather, it’s the understanding that in the giving, we receive. We receive growth, fulfillment, and connection – treasures that cannot be quantified.

An Octopus’s Embrace

So, let’s learn from our wise friend, the octopus. Let our three hearts be full of compassion, wisdom, and courage. Let our arms be open and giving. And may we swim through the currents of life with grace, as saints or bodhisattvas, serving as guardians and guides for all those navigating the tempestuous oceans of existence.

In embracing the octopus within, we embark on a journey that ripples through the waters of our communities and touches the shores of every heart. In this sacred odyssey, we do not merely live; we become vessels of immeasurable, boundless love.

Morgan O. Smith