noun
(in Indian religion) the eternal and inherent nature of reality, regarded in Hinduism as a cosmic law underlying right behavior and social order
conformity to one’s duty and nature
from the root dhri — to support, hold up or bear
There is a Buddhist story about a monk and a scorpion.
Once upon a time, a monk walked along a stream and noticed that a scorpion was struggling in the water. He cupped the scorpion, and, just before placing it on land, the scorpion stung the monk and fell back into the water.
Several times, the monk attempted to save the scorpion, and each time the scorpion stung his hand.
A passerby looked on and asked: “why do you try to save the scorpion? It will continue to sting you.”
As he finally managed to rescue the scorpion, the monk replied:
“It is the dharma of a scorpion to sting, and it is the dharma of a human to save.”
As humans, it is our dharma — our nature — to save.
The scorpion has its purpose in life, and we have ours.
For the holidays, I embarked on a two-week-long roadtrip. As usual, I didn’t get the experience that I wanted, but I got what I needed. (Thank you, Life!)
Passing through the California/Arizona border, in a small town called Ehrenberg, I saw a dog quivering outside of a gas station. He was hit by a car.
Someone brought him to the gas station and left him tied to a trash can. It was cold, and he couldn’t fend for himself.
With the aid of a good samaritan and a La Paz County deputy, we managed to transport the dog down a dark, dusty road to the local animal hospital.
I am happy to report that, despite a broken pelvis, the dog received wonderful care and was eventually relocated to a local shelter.
Even better news: he is available for adoption!
If you’d like more information, please contact the Town of Parker La Paz County Animal Shelter at (928) 669-8774. I’m also including the Facebook pages for their animal relief fund and volunteer page.
He may have specific medical needs, at least in the short term, so they’re looking for a “special adopter.” Please forward this to anyone you can think of (maybe it’s you)!
WALK YOUR PATH
What is your dharma? Your purpose? What were you put here to do?
Maybe you are here to save or rescue (scorpions or dogs).
Perhaps your nature is to spread cheer or wisdom.
Whatever your dharma is, explore it. Don’t shy away from it. See where the path takes you.
Me?
I had grandiose plans for an epic, holiday roadtrip, but the sight of an injured dog made all my fantasies come to a crashing halt.
Instinctively, I felt prepared to spend the entire evening caring for him. In my bones, I knew that I would not leave him in the cold.
It was the same feeling that I had when I lost my mom. I knew that I would take her dog in and make him my own. I knew that I would do everything to give him the greatest life possible.
So what did Simba have to say about the road trip? What was his dharma?