In 'Forgiveness' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/03/forgiveness.html , I asked,
"Don't we make mistakes sometimes?
Don't we have weaknesses, too?
Or do we think we're so 'perfect' ?"
Be careful if you think you're 'perfect'.
Cos' your strength can become your weakness.
I remember a student in one of the clubs where I used to teach.
She's very flexible.
One night, after my class, we met in the Ladies' room, and the thought came to guide her.
I told her, "You're very flexible, and that is your strength. But be careful, don't let your strength become your weakness."
What do I mean by that?
She's very supple.
Good to a certain extend cos' she can do certain poses, but bad in the sense that she can injure herself, break/fracture her joints/hips etc easily, without her knowing it. (Strength become weakness).
If she's not careful, she may end up becoming like a rubber band that's lost its elasticity.
Too much of a good thing can be bad.
Moderation is the key.
Some people eat 'big fish big meat' and all the luxurious food all the time.
As they grow older, a lot of illnesses and diseases also come their way all the time.
Coming back to the student :
She was a very nice and humble lady who accepted my advice and concern.
In the course of my work, I've met with many others who think they're flawless and infallible.
The reason I suppose it's because as one monastic once said, "No one can (and will) think they are wrong."
If you hold a similar view about your 'perfection', knowledge and abilities,
My suggestion is,
Please be careful.
Cos such attitude and mindset can lead to complacency, ingratitude, pride/ego, and in the end, to your own downfall and destruction.
"The person who continues in his stubbornness only promotes more evil."
- Venerable Ajahn Mun.
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"A mountain, no matter how tall,
Is always beneath the feet of the person who climbs it."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa .
"What should have been done is left undone,
What should NOT have been done, is done.
For those who are conceited and heedless,
The corruptions increase."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 292 .
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"Avoid walking with your nose so high up that you do not know where you're going,
Or what you're stepping on (dung), or into (quick sand)."
“ 聪明反被聪明误” .
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"Those who pride themselves smart are the real stupid foolish ignorant ones."
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"Pride comes before a fall."
- An English proverb
