For once one doesn't have to think a lot about the meaning of this slogan. It is simple and straightforward. But there is so much that comes to mind.
The most obvious thought is that it is advice similar to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:3: "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Even your other hand should not be aware of your doing a good deed, let alone the world. So no applause from the other hand nor from anybody else. Forget about the deed, just do it because it is the right thing to do. Good deeds that depend on an audience are probably not really good because they are driven by ego.
The second thought is that while we should not be driven by the idea of getting applause, it is important to remember the many selfless and courageous people whose brave acts only belatedly came to light. People who saved lives without giving their own safety a second thought. Their actions are inspiring and should not be forgotten, because they show that it is possible to be compassionate even under the most terrible conditions. They might not have wanted applause but they should be honoured even after death.
The third thought is that the wish for applause can be seen as a warning sign in our practice. Like a smoke detector, because where there is smoke, there is fire (= ego). That doesn't mean that we should never expect a thank you, just that a simple thank you is enough and sometimes not needed. No snail has ever thanked me when I helped it over the road, but I do it anyway. And of course we have to be careful not to be exploited, but that is another topic.
So, this is the last of the 59 slogans. It has been an interesting journey. I will get some more books on the slogans and then I will start again with number one about the preliminaries.
Thank you for your postings. They have been a big help on my way. ❤️
For once one doesn't have to think a lot about the meaning of this slogan. It is simple and straightforward. But there is so much that comes to mind.
The most obvious thought is that it is advice similar to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:3: "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Even your other hand should not be aware of your doing a good deed, let alone the world. So no applause from the other hand nor from anybody else. Forget about the deed, just do it because it is the right thing to do. Good deeds that depend on an audience are probably not really good because they are driven by ego.
The second thought is that while we should not be driven by the idea of getting applause, it is important to remember the many selfless and courageous people whose brave acts only belatedly came to light. People who saved lives without giving their own safety a second thought. Their actions are inspiring and should not be forgotten, because they show that it is possible to be compassionate even under the most terrible conditions. They might not have wanted applause but they should be honoured even after death.
The third thought is that the wish for applause can be seen as a warning sign in our practice. Like a smoke detector, because where there is smoke, there is fire (= ego). That doesn't mean that we should never expect a thank you, just that a simple thank you is enough and sometimes not needed. No snail has ever thanked me when I helped it over the road, but I do it anyway. And of course we have to be careful not to be exploited, but that is another topic.
So, this is the last of the 59 slogans. It has been an interesting journey. I will get some more books on the slogans and then I will start again with number one about the preliminaries.
Thank you for your postings. They have been a big help on my way. ❤️