My wife is such a loving Bodhisattva. We have four stray alley cats that we adopted when the zendo was in the city. One “Blue” ran into the zendo door, sat down and never left. I perceive I am responsible when any sentient being seeks help from me. Whether this is a person asking, the land weaping, or an animal suffering. Over the past two days a cat, who has obviously been thrown away or lost, has been sleeping under a tree in our back yard. She is dirty, skinny, scared and hungry. Karma has brought her to my home, my attention and my responsibility. For me there is no choice. However, my wife reminds me of the needs of the others already under our roof. This is not indifference or greed but, wisdom and compassion as well. She reminds me of the balance that is needed when we are dealing with resources. Seven beings already inhabit our structure,
so there is limited space. It also costs a lot to care for three humans and four cats. There is medical, food, housing ect that is needed for everyone. I fight myself at times to balance heart and mind. As I said, today, for me, there is no choice. I don’t seek to save the world but, those in need who pass through my life will never be turned away. I may not be able to give exactly what is needed but, I will always do my best. She is feed, and she has a place to sleep. Tomorrow she may be gone or she may need more. I will do my best then as well. That is really all that we can do, our best.