「永續助人之道」Advice for Sustainable Helping

當過度幫助他人導致自己的工作和生活遇到困難時，應該怎麼辦？

讓我從宗教教義、故事和現代例子來解釋：

1. 宗教教義

即使是菩薩行為，也應該根據自己的能力逐步修習，而不是突然把一切都給予他人。

2. 故事

有一個故事說，一個人把所有外套都送給他人，最後自己因受寒而生病。之後就無法再幫助他人。因此，必須保持自身健康和能力。

3. 現代例子

就像飛機遇到亂流時，必須先戴上自己的氧氣面罩才能幫助他人。同樣地，自己健康時才能更好地幫助他人。

方法

1. 認識自己的時間和精力極限

2. 尋找對自己和他人都有益的活動

3. 學會對他人說"不"

4. 關注自己的生活和健康

5. 感到疲憊時要休息

這樣做能為自己和他人帶來更大的利益，既不會陷入重大困境，又能持續幫助他人。​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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What should one do when helping others too much leads to difficulties in one's work and life?

Let me explain this through religious teachings, stories, and modern examples:

1. Religious Teaching

Although it's Bodhisattva conduct, one should practice gradually according to one's abilities, rather than giving everything away suddenly.

2. Story

There's a story about someone who gave away all his coats to others, eventually becoming sick from cold himself. After that, he couldn't help others anymore. Therefore, one needs to maintain their own health and capability.

3. Modern Example

Like in an airplane during turbulence, you must put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. Similarly, when you're healthy, you can help others better.

Methods

1. Recognize your time and energy limits

2. Look for activities that benefit both yourself and others

3. Learn to say "no" to others

4. Pay attention to your life and health

5. Take rest when you feel tired

By doing this, it will bring greater benefit to both yourself and others, and you won't fall into major difficulties while being able to continue helping others.

— Nyinchung Rinpoche