Philosophical question that I'm mulling over in my brain.
This morning while I was sweeping, I noticed a tiny ant. At first I thought it was a flea.
I swept it up into the dust bin, and then realized it was a small ant.
The question I'm trying to decide at the moment is, did I violate my daily vow to treat all beings with compassion?
It still lived, I was gentle with emptying the dustbin and saw it moving on a paper towel...
I think about things like this, often.
@Graci That is very helpful ^_^ Thank you!
@NiveusLepus to have that presence of mind I think is good...only to a point.
After that I wouldn't over think it.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN Good ideas all around.
All things great & small…
@LnzyHou Exactly. Thus my dilemma.
I’ve been bitten by stink bugs and lady bugs carrying them outside. They don’t seem to be grateful for their freedom.
Spiders are on their own.
Ladybugs 🐞 DON’T bite.
It’s those nasty Lady Beatles that do.
@NiveusLepus
Me too. If it helps, Buddha said something to the effect that intent is what matters most when it comes to killing a living thing- death is as much a part of life as making mistakes. Paraphrased but I think he was actually addressing your same dilemma.
@JLong It does help. I must take cares not to be to rigid, toward myself or others.
That said, the challenge is a good thing. Reflection helps with growth. It's like resistance training in a way, facing those quandaries and puzzling them out, to grow stronger in practice.
@NiveusLepus
Well said. I like that. I've wondered sometimes if our species' primary challenge is just to wrestle with and learn about ourselves. A big job!
One of my greatest teachers was a zen master who always said “It’s all about school”.
Indeed it is.
yes, as do i. whenever i encounter a spider in the bathtub looking for water, or the odd cockroach running to hide when i turn on the lights.
i always work around or move any insects i encounter indoors, unless it's in danger of being an infestation.
when ants invade en masse, for example, diatomaceous earth blocks their entrances.
@NiveusLepus Your compassion is not a single movement. You saw the situation and adjusted with compassion in your heart at all times. You did well. 💜