THE BEGINNING OF REAL HAPPINESS

 
You feel sorry to see a beggar, an injured or diseased person, or someone in a miserable predicament. And naturally you are prompted to do something to relieve the person from his/her suffering. But this gives the person only temporary relief.

The real remedy, however, is primarily to awaken in others the spirit of accepting suffering as part of one's karma. People should not fear suffering; while overcoming it they should develop a proper understanding of it. This is the beginning of real happiness. However, this act of awakening perfect hope in the hearts of others is bestowed only by the Realized Ones.

This does not mean that you should not feel distressed for the poor and the afflicted. However, whatever is done in response to one's honest feelings, should be done in a spirit of selfless service.