Freeloading as a way of life

Tantrikas avoid taking anything that is not freely offered.  They avoid freeloading as a way of life.  They do not leave others to carry out work which they have been allotted.  They do not avoid work and allow others to carry a greater share than would have been theirs if appropriate assistance had been forthcoming. They do not fail to volunteer when help is needed.  They abstain from asking excessive favours of others, or expecting to be ‘carried’ in life.  They avoid abusing hospitality or taking advantage of the time and generosity of others.  They do not steal the time of other practitioners by the refusal to be real, or by engaging in the adoption of an ‘artificial buddhist personality.

Aro Encyclopaedia Index: From the commentaries by Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen on the ’ug-Kyi Lab-Nga – the five Owl Precepts from the gTérmas of Khyungchen Aro Lingma.

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Drala Jong

Depriving others as little as possible

Tantrikas refrain from stealing opportunities for realisation and squandering the proceeds on the creation of less obvious dualities. Tantrikas are aware that they cannot extricate themselves from involvement in exploitation, social injustice, oppression, and theft. They recognise the impossibility of disconnection from causes of loss, impoverishment, and deprivation for other beings. Through this knowledge they commit to depriving others as little as possible through their presence in the world.  They recognise that simply to live is to have gained personal advantage through the disadvantage of countless others.

Aro Encyclopaedia Index: From the commentaries by Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen on the ’ug-Kyi Lab-Nga – the five Owl Precepts from the gTérmas of Khyungchen Aro Lingma.

#dralajongquote

Drala Jong