So 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.
![](https://justdharma.org/wp-content/uploads/Dilgo_Khyentse_Rinpoche__50_of_39_-e1368798481739-200x200.jpg)
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book Zurchungpa's Testament
Read a random quote or see all quotes by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Further quotes from the book Zurchungpa's Testament:
- Perceiving everything in its natural purity
- Just as space
- Not fabricated, never stained
- Examine your actions very closely
- Spontaneous devotion to your teacher
- Just leave it like it is
- Complete absence of doubt
- Projections of the mind
- Nothing else than the projection of one’s own mind
- 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
- Not outside yourself
- The three higher trainings