A Guest is Always Present

I'll often make a distinction in teaching when talking about karmic momentum, noting that it's not just the thought that counts, but also the action. However, in truth, there isn't a hard line between inside and outside—our thoughts matter too. We often hold onto this notion of privacy, thinking we can hide certain aspects of ourselves, and that these hidden thoughts or feelings have no karmic repercussions. But of course, they do.

It’s important for us to stay present with our own suffering and extend compassion to ourselves. One way to do this is to recognize that the boundary between inside and outside is an illusion. The whole universe bears witness, not only to our actions, but to our thoughts as well. Compassion ripples out in every direction, whether it's directed towards what we call “self” or “other.” In reality, this distinction between self and other is artificial.

A good practice is to remember that even when we feel alone, privacy is only perceived. We are always being seen, not just by ourselves but by the universe. When we conduct ourselves with this awareness, we free ourselves from the shadows, from the idea that anything is hidden.

So today, conduct yourself like a good host, even when you don’t see any guests present. Recognize that the guests are always there, and this will help you hone your compassion, ensuring it’s always flowing.