Service

 

In the service of others, one places another’s wishes and welfare above one’s own comfort and personal preferences. Ideally, there is no thought of like or dislike, no feelings of superiority or pride. There is only the wish to practice giving, to help others—there is no thought of self-benefit. The magnitude of the act does not matter. Gratitude from the receiver is inconsequential. For the server, the sincere act of caring is what matters. We call this spirit of giving the Bodhi mind—the mind of understanding and compassion.