The supreme importance of practicing mindfulness of one's own self

Another time the Buddha recounted a story which made me suddenly see the supreme importance of practicing mindfulness of one's own self -- that is, to protect and care for one's self, not being preoccupied about the way others look after themselves, a habit of mind which gives rise to resentment and anxiety.

The Buddha said, "There once were a couple of acrobats. The teacher was a poor widower and the student was a small girl named Meda. The two of them performed in the streets to earn enough to eat. They used a tall bamboo pole which the teacher balanced on the top of his head, while the little girl slowly climbed to the top. There she remained while the teacher continued to walk along the ground."

"Both of them had to devote all their attention to maintain perfect balance, and to prevent any accident from occurring. One day the teacher instructed the pupil: 'Listen, Meda, I will watch you and you watch me, so that we can help each other maintain concentration and balance, and prevent an accident. 'Then we'll be sure to earn enough to eat.' But the little girl was wise, and answered, 'Dear master, I think it would be better for each of us to watch ourself. To look after oneself means to look after both of us. That way I am sure we will avoid any accidents, and will earn enough to eat.'

The Buddha said: 'The child spoke correctly.'

From The Miracle of Mindfulness, by Thich Nhat Hanh