Theos-Talk Archives (January 1998 Message tt00265)

mkr says:

<All we can do is to make our little contribution to the solution.>

This is true but the question is not being compassionate but how one defines
compassion. Is making someone self-sufficient compassionate or is making
someone dependent "compassionate"? Do you just feed the destitute ad infinitum
or help them get on their collective feet by offering self-help programs? The
good karma in giving is obvious. However, on the other side of the coin, the
karma of just receiving endlessly seems to run counter to the notion of "self-
induced and self-devised efforts" found in the Third Fundamental Principle.
When the expectancy of continuously receiving sustenance from outside sources
is always is there, doesn't that diminish the desire to pursue self-
improvement and self-help? In other words, when does outside intervention
become counterproductive?

Lmhem111