Hello all,
I think one of the reasons that people can get tetchy about this topic is that whether or not we feel helpful and good is tied to so many deep seated emotions. Guilt, resentment, anger. This is one reason why I am wary of "help" efforts that bring a lot of attention to those doing the helping. I've learned in my personal and professional life that guilt actually prevents effective action, not promotes it.
Funnily enough, this article by Ezra Bayda on "The Helper Syndrome" showed up on my Facebook feed this morning:
http://www.tricycle.com/dharma-talk/helper-syndrome
I think it speaks well to the discussion here.
I think it is important that we do not wait to try to do right action until we are fully wise, else little change would happen in the world, even when and where it is sorely needed. I remember listening to a talk by John Daido Loori where he said just that, that we must be willing to risk being wrong and foolish sometimes. That said, I think wisdom and clear examination of causes and effects is important in creating true change.
Chris, you seem to me like a humble and thoughtful person. I respect that you revisit and re-examine your ideas. I am sorry if any of my words have seemed harsh, I have meant no disrespect. I just want to challenge some of these notions being thrown around here because I think they are counterproductive to what you seem to want to do.
Stephanie