Hi all,
I have a little story to share. I was going to do it through Gojo-san, but the specifics of the story would've given away it was about me. So here it goes. :P
My and my girlfriend have a super small graphic design business and we focus our efforts in helping out people who usually wouldn't have money to pay for design services. Most of the time we work for free or in exchange of things. This comes nicely with my Buddhist practice because I often teach people how to sit zazen in exchange of them doing something for their community. This way I have been able to teach zazen to people in Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru or Colombia.
A couple months ago a friend of mine lost her job and her last shot was to open a little chocolate shop in her home. She needed a logo, a brochures and a flier. I offered help her with that, but I understood she didn't have money, so I was thinking on how not to charge her (sounds stupid, I know. But I do a lot of anti-capitalism stuff). Still my friend was willing to pay me whatever I asked.
That same afternoon a Mayan friend I have in South Mexico told me about the kids Citincabchén. This is a small forgotten Mayan town that has a lot of financial and humanitarian problems. A teacher decided to teach music to kids in order to keep them busy and far from crime, and to deliver some joy to the community. But the teacher doesn't have a dime so he was asking for donations either in used instruments or money.
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So the idea came natural. I offered help my friend with her design needs in exchange of her donating to the Mayan kids. She agreed, got her logo, and sent some money to the kids. Then I also sent some money to them.
I know whatever we sent won't buy all the instruments the kids need, but I'd like to think it was helpful.
Compassion connects people in ways that would not happen in everyday life.
Gassho,
Kyonin
Sat/LAH