"Advocate cultivation instead of harvest" is a traditional teaching attached to many styles of meditation and carries broad-reaching implications. In essence, this teaching means to "do good things every day, without concern for personal benefit." It is understood that when a person's actions are based in kindness, they are naturally open to their internal wisdom. Oppositely, it is held that those who dislike greatly, lacking kindness of some kind, are not yet the equal of that which they disdain. These two concepts are mirrors of each other.

Regarding meditation, it is generally believed that the only way to meditate is “not to think”; that is a misunderstanding—there are many different styles. In fact, the very act of discussing and considering supportive behavior (such as we are doing right now) can become a form of meditation. Thus, as soon as an individual begins to discuss “morality,” their meditation, or personal cultivation, skills have already begun to improve. They are beginning a deeper introspective process. If that person is able to free themselves from unnecessary distractions, their skill level will have improved substantially. But why develop these skills?

Meditation serves a powerful purpose. Human form and thought are not normally pristine—not normally 100% productive and positive; hence contemplating the nature of self from a perspective governed by calm and relaxation retunes the body and mind, putting them more in touch with the enduring elements of life. Once in that state, meditators may easily recognize and alter unsupportive behaviors. The purpose of cultivation is to find the natural self and uncover the truths that exist between all things.

Being of good intention is a crucial component in this inward learning process; so, it is important to set one's heart in the right direction by considering the nature of the positive. For that reason, greater levels of insight accompany higher levels of supportive thought and action. Insight, thought and action supplement each other, and share part of the same whole. For that very basic reason, meditation is best accompanied by "action."s

Why take this action? Traditional meditation theory states that a mind whose doors are closed will not easily perceive truth, though it may contemplate the universe endlessly. Putting theories into practice, helping others, is the application that puts pieces together—that opens doors. It is by helping others that positive thought takes root in the real world and is most fully understood.

The true purpose of life is the process of developing a more open state; giving is the best way to do that…when properly motivated, it is also the greatest joy, one that can come from the innermost heart. This joy manifests at a certain level of meditative awareness.

All of this means that the discussion of supportive thought and action prepares the practitioner: it fosters a generosity of the heart… an openness.

Those who often give others their help gain a uniquely balanced state of mind: an unparalleled contentment. Further, it is those who often receive the help of others who are most inclined to offer their own. This mutual assistance functions on two levels: it deconstructs the artificially fabricated walls between individuals, and harmonizes them with the world at large. Giving and mutual concern are inherent to humankind though often covered up. That's why actions based in kindness, unconcerned with reward, naturally produce a state conducive to maximizing each person’s health and human potential. Furthermore, these supportive actions exemplify the reason that animosity leads to lower states: true generosity is a state of openness, while negativity creates walls that prevent growth.

There is a Chinese saying, "There is no limit to the number of arts (skills) to be learned." This may mean that as soon as we begin to acquire the skills of life, we are involved in a never-ending process of learning and applying. "Applying" often means contributing to the world, while "learning" means to explore without bias, seeing things as they truly are. What better way could there be than the cultivation of the positive both internally and out in the world? If we cultivate in that way, there will only be harvest for all.