Slogan #36

Don't act with a twist.

Don’t act with a twist can be translated as “walk your talk” and furthermore, make sure that what is propelling these right actions is not self-interest. Compassion training is not simply saying and doing the right things but requires self-scrutiny on underlying motivations. Feeling righteously smug and spiritual superior hides in our bodies and in our habits. Untwist yourself with the following questions:

• Am I controlling or accepting in this situation?

• Is my true objective to exact sweet revenge?

• Am I really interested in eliciting praise or admiration from others?

• Is this an authentic act of generosity or am I expecting something in return?

• Do I feel entitled?

• Is this all about “looking good?”

• Am I acting from a place of abundance or scarcity?

• Am I really only interested in what’s in it for me?

• Am I simply going through the motions?

I laughed at Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s example of false flattery: “By being generous, you will accumulate much merit (so give me all your money)!”