We all know how annoying it is to lead a horse to water. There it is, perfectly good water. And that horse; just obstinate. Refusing to drink! It can drive you mad!!
Just imagine it. See the horse. Pull on the reigns. Point to the water. Put yourself in the moment.
So… did you drink the water?
Did you ever stop to think that maybe you, too, are a horse? Here you are, waiting for it to drink, but never actually taking a drink yourself. How thirsty do you get waiting for it to drink first?
Consider an alternative: every time you get frustrated because someone isn’t taking your advice, take a drink of the water yourself. Lead by example! Drink the water and testify to its sweetness and refreshment. But be honest, too. Was it a little warm? A little dank? Was it maybe good enough for horses, but not good enough for a horse like you?
The bodhisattva knows that all you can do is light your lamp. Never expect others to follow you. If you are successful, they will be lighting their own lamps right where they are. And soon, the more lamps we light, the more we all bask in the warm glow of all those little fires burning as bright as they can.
