If you really wish to benefit others, the first step is to attain realization yourself. You must first mature your own mind, otherwise you will be incapable of helping others. Giving other people water is impossible unless you have a jug with water in it. If it is empty, you might make the gesture of pouring , but no water will come out.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book Zurchungpa's Testament
translated by Padmakara Translation Group
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Further quotes from the book Zurchungpa's Testament:
- When true realization dawns in one’s mind
- Recognizing awareness
- The even state of all-pervading peace
- Suitable vessels
- Superficial dharma practice
- Two great sources of fear in samsara
- All perceptions are similar to a dream
- No other way
- First mature your own mind
- Not outside yourself
- The three higher trainings
- Free from the extreme of existence and that of nonexistence
- What a waste of time
- Like two expressions on the same face
- The moon’s reflection on water
- Perceiving everything in its natural purity
- Just as space
- Not fabricated, never stained
- Examine your actions very closely
- Spontaneous devotion to your teacher