When Right Thought and Right Action Equal Wrong Response

[Started this 2 weeks ago....but things don't always end how you think they will.]

Maybe it's the POWER of Right Thought and Right Action with a bit of nam myoho renge kyo? At least maybe in the 2nd instance.

- Original Post -

This post has been stewing in my mind for about the past week.

Recently have had 2 instances/events where, while striving to follow the Noble Eightfold Path - specifically Right Intention and Right Action not exactly coming out as anticipated.  Just a man trying to follow and adhere to my beliefs, now slightly confused and a bit perplexed.

So in the first instance, started doing volunteer work at a local location that appeared aligned with my values and beliefs. After a few worrying observations, I later became aware of some associated facts that are in direct conflict with others closely held beliefs.  So what to do?  Right action could be applied to keep doing my volunteer work for the benefit of making the lives of those impacted better.  Right thought could be applied in leading by example with hope that those in charge of the facility might become enlightened and change their ways.

The second instance, a bit more close to home.  For the sake of anonymity, suffice it to say that taking the right action for the benefit of an innocent creature led to a visit from our friendly neighborhood deputy sheriff!  ...

- Recent Observations -

So, a few days after visit from po-po, our neighbors dog wandered over (again) having broken the rope used to tie her out which she subsequently got tangled up with our deck furniture.  When I got home from work, the dog was gone, but I wanted to take the remains of the rope and collar over to the neighbors.  As I was walking up the driveway, seems 2 other neighbors were walking down the neighbors driveway with a lead in hand -- I guess the wandering dog had roamed over to their house and they returned her to her proper home.

Eventually I spoke with the husband the neighbors with the dogs.  Talked about visit from police and events that lead up to it.  Explained that we love pets (have more than I care to count!) and when their dog came over last time during a wind-driven, <10 degree snowstorm we let her in our house.  No malicious intent, just what we'd hope someone might do for one of our pets if they got out during such weather.  Having lamented issues they had when they tried keeping the dogs inside, I made a few suggestions and included suggestion to leave garge door up a bit so in bad weather the dogs might wander inside for shelter at least.

Fast forward a week or two, and during the last recent snow storm the dogs were taken INSIDE!  Whoohoo!  And for the few recent nights when it's gotten cold at night the dogs seem to be inside as well.

So, in the beginning, stuck by our beliefs and gave some shelter to a dog in need.  Things looked to be going a little pair shaped but at the end of the day, maybe it was our right thought/action that gave neighbors reason to try it our way.  Win for the dogs either way.....

Happy Friday!