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We cherish life whenever we put our energies into furthering harmony, peace, and reconciliation among all beings. The monks in Asia are very careful about where they walk so as not to step on insects. They do what they can to keep from killing any form of life, especially when traveling or digging in the earth. When I first witnessed this behavior I thought it was charming, but at first I didn't quite get it. Last year I was visiting friends in the New England countryside and walking along a road after a rainstorm. Many little snails were crawling across the road where they could get smashed by cars, and I spontaneously found myself moving little snails across the road in the direction in which they were heading. As I thought about what I was doing, I realized that I had certainly come a long way. But I also began to think about why saving small creatures whenever possible is a practice. It helps us cultivate a mind of love—an awareness that all life is precious. It was the most beautiful part of my day.
For years the king's horses had been cared for by one highly skilled master trainer, and the horses flourished. When this particular trainer grew old, he retired. The king told his courtiers to hire another fine trainer, which they did. The horses continued to look as beautiful and healthy as they had before, and they continued to carry the king's soldiers. But one by one, the horses all developed limps on their left sides. When the king noticed the horses limping, he didn't understand what was going wrong. Up until that time, the king had never met the new trainer face to face. He therefore asked to have the trainer brought to the palace to discuss the problem. When the trainer walked into the room, the king understood everything—for the trainer was also limping on his left side. |
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