Sharing the Dharma or Just Another "Sutra Thumper"
Everyone who practices toward enlightenment has a responsibility in their daily life to share the story that there is more to life than just making money and gaining status. We share by displaying our values of peace, kindness, real compassion, and enthusiasm for selfless service. What spirituality means in your own life, whether you are a nurse, business owner, or teacher, is how you attract others toward reality by opening their curiosity toward spirituality without becoming a “sutra-thumper.” “Oh, Buddha said this, and we must obey the Buddha!” Not like that. People get annoyed. I would be annoyed if people told me what I must do just because the Buddha said so. I would feel like washing myself because they were trying to control me and make me mindlessly dogmatic. When you become skillful in telling the story, you could be turning others toward the Dharma without being pushy. This is a reflection of your inner skillful activity, which the Great Bodhisattvas have in abundance. Skil...