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vary according to the individual’s character, abilities and soil has dried and needs careful tending. Only from
inclinations—whether through caring, teaching, living strong roots can something truly beneficial bloom. It’s
an inspiring upright life, or even through silence. This is important to know and remember —both for oneself
beautifully and skillfully exemplified in the compassion and the community—that service is not an obligation,
of our teachers. The Buddha did encourage a sense but an act of generosity. When balance is found, joy
of social responsibility—caring for the sick, living (pīti) naturally arises, nourishing the path. One could
harmlessly or teaching the Dhamma—not as a requisite even say that, a sense of beauty becomes the fuel to
for liberation, but a support and a fruit of it. That said, propel us forward. Joy is not a luxury, but an essential
It’s important to understand that one’s service does not spiritual factor that blooms also when our actions
imply development or attainment. In my case much of benefit others. To illustrate this balance, 10 years ago,
it has been shaped by life’s circumstances. For example, my preceptor, Sayadaw U Nandamālābhivaṃsa, in
when my mother asked, “Why did you become a monk? Burma asked us: “Do you wish to be a Bodhisatta or
Why leave music and the liberties of life?” I replied, an Arahant?” After we replied, curiosity arose. I made
“Do you really want to know?” “Yes.” “Alright then, we myself as small as I could and, with folded hands,
shall start exploring the answer once a week.” And so, respectfully asked: “And you, Sayadaw?” He paused,
the Dhamma sharing began, requested by my mother. thought for a moment, and gently said: “I have thought
Eventually, more and more people joined. In this case, a about it… I’m trying to cross the sea of suffering, but my
dear circumstance of life. boat is big. Whoever wishes to cross may come aboard,
and we cross together.” A deep, collective sigh was
How do you balance the emphasis of Theravada heard in the room. At that moment, it became clear that
monastics to pursue individual enlightenment this was a truly worthy way of living. Walk shoulder to
through practices like deep meditation while shoulder, crossing together and reach the other shore.
actively working to alleviate suffering in the wider
community? You are also actively involved in diverse programs
to aid parts of society in overcoming drug addiction
A balance can arise by having clarity about the goal for and alcoholism, as well as supporting educational
which the Buddha taught—liberation from suffering. campaigns for children and teens to prevent such
One can find two kinds of suffering: worldly and problems in South America. What are the Buddhist
existential. The Buddha gave teachings on how to attend values that you find most useful in supporting you in
to both, but since alleviating worldly suffering doesn’t these activities?
eliminate the existential one (birth and death), his main
focus was on freeing the mind from the existential one, When working with our brothers and sisters in the
knowing that such freedom resolves both. Helping rehabilitation centers, we begin by highlighting the
others with worldly challenges can certainly bring preciousness of life (manussatta-dullabha), of our
relief, merit, and even pave the way towards existential human potential and precious opportunity. Then
freedom. Yet, liberation from this deeper layer of gratitude (katannū) is reflected upon: what we already
suffering is an inner work, which cannot be done by have, what is going well, and recognizing our blessings
anyone else but ourselves. With that in mind, one can of food, shelter, friendship, family, and life itself. Then,
calmly reflect on what percentage of time, energy and as soon as possible, we level the ground between us by
life one wishes to dedicate to personal development, acknowledging that: “We all struggle in some way, right?
and how much to offer and support others along I certainly do.” (1st Noble Truth). “We’re all attached to
the way. These percentages naturally shift with age, something, right? I certainly am.” (2nd Noble Truth).
circumstances and the stages of life. It is essential to Through this sincere exploration, the divide between
retreat and cultivate oneself, to grow, rebalance and You/The Addict and Us/The Good Ones dissolves. Now,
recharge, either alone or in the company of the monastic we can talk. Now, we want to listen. Trust arises, and
family. The crucial point is: knowing when the inner we can move forward. We breathe together (Ānāpāna)