I have just come across this inspiring example of equalizing self and others in action:
In the Kadampa Buddhist meditation called “equalizing self and others”, we deliberately cultivate a feeling of affection for others by remembering that they are no different to us. We may be unique but, in the ways that count, we are all exactly the same, like snowflakes.
Shantideva says in Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life:
First, I should apply myself in meditation
On the equality of self and others.
Because we are all equal in wanting to experience happiness and avoid suffering,
I should cherish all beings as I do myself.
Narayanan Krishnan puts it this way:
“Everybody has got 5.5 liters of blood. I am just a human being. For me everybody the same.”
Because he has heartfelt genuine love arising from this experience of equalizing, he wishes to free others from their suffering:
“There are thousands and thousands and lots and lots of people suffering.”
And because he has this compassion, he has spontaneously given up working just for himself and instead gives food and love joyfully to many people:
“What is the ultimate purpose of life? Its to give. Start giving! See the joy of giving.”
