When we try to begin our journey on a spiritual path, finding excuses not to move forward is a typical trap for many of us. When we are not pursuing any spiritual path, we don't even think that much about caring for others, but when we are at the starting point of some worthwhile journey, we immediately begin hearing, "Oh, you're so selfish. you're enjoying peace and joy, while many others are suffering. That's not fair!" That freezes us where we are and prevents us from making any progress. At this point, we have to remember two things:
1. In order to help or heal others, we must first gain the benefit of healing blessings ourselves. It is like wanting to give money to a needy person: first we must have or make some money, because only then can we give it away.
2. Yes, according to Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism, the best spiritual training is to serve the needs of others, the mother beings, with no selfish motivations. That means that our purpose in generating peace and joy in ourselves must be for the sake of others, or at least that must be our aim.
Thus we must create and feel peace and joy in ourselves with no hesitation. When we have gained these benefits, we must share them with others, with the greatest joy.
If we have peace, spontaneously all our words and actions will be expressions of peace and joy. Then, even if we are not actively sharing peace or trying to help others, our good qualities will still have a positive effect on many around us.
- Tulku Thondup, Boundless Healing: Meditation Exercises to Enlighten the Mind and Heal the Body
