Many people think that a good way of dealing with psychological trauma is to help others who have experienced something similar, e.g., someone who has endured a particular illness might help others who suffer from the same; someone who has been made to feel inadequate might be especially sensitive to persons who lack confidence and be deliberately supportive, &c.
Are such choices instances of a karmic leading, and indication of how to remedy one’s own particular karmic burdens? Does EBT literature support such a view?
" 16. "Cunda, it is impossible that one who is himself sunk in the mire[23] should pull out another who is sunk in the mire. But it is possible, Cunda, that one not sunk in the mire himself should pull out another who is sunk in the mire.
“It is not possible, Cunda, that one who is himself not restrained, not disciplined and not quenched [as to his passions],[24] should make others restrained and disciplined, should make them attain to the full quenching [of passions].[25] But it is possible, Cunda, that one who is himself restrained, disciplined and fully quenched [as to his passions] should make others restrained and disciplined, should make them attain to the full quenching [of passions]. (Sallekha Sutta: The Discourse on Effacement)”
