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Rabbi Halberstam of Sanz (1797 - 1896), one of the most prominent and respected Hassidic rabbis of his generation, conducted a survey involving three men asking the same question: "What would you do if you found a wallet with a great deal of money in it?"
The first man responded: "I'd return it to the owner immediately", to which the Rabbi asked: "How can you be so certain?"
The second man bluntly stated: "I'd keep it. When else would I ever have an opportunity to get money so easily." The rabbi found his response unfortunate.
It was the third man who provides a strong Jewish lesson in Buddhist awareness. When asked what he would do if he found a walltet with a great deal of money, he said: "How can I be certain what I'd do? I know that I must return it, but how can I be sure that would" I hope I would have the strength to overcome my evil inclinations and return it."
Only the third man's response pleased the rabbi because the man was aware of his potential for dishonesty as well as his desire to do good.
The first man responded: "I'd return it to the owner immediately", to which the Rabbi asked: "How can you be so certain?"
The second man bluntly stated: "I'd keep it. When else would I ever have an opportunity to get money so easily." The rabbi found his response unfortunate.
It was the third man who provides a strong Jewish lesson in Buddhist awareness. When asked what he would do if he found a walltet with a great deal of money, he said: "How can I be certain what I'd do? I know that I must return it, but how can I be sure that would" I hope I would have the strength to overcome my evil inclinations and return it."
Only the third man's response pleased the rabbi because the man was aware of his potential for dishonesty as well as his desire to do good.
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