Heal yourself before healing others.

There is this story that I like from the Snow Lion's Turquoise Mane. The story is about this interaction that takes place between Gampopa and his teacher Milarepa.  

Gampopa founded the Kagyu tradition in Tibet back in the eleventh century. He was a doctor who lost his wife at a young age and then became a monk. He studied under the Kadampa tradition until he met his root teacher Milarepa. 

Milarepa is the famous yogi of Tibet. He lived up in the mountains wearing only a white cotton cloth, was known for his practice of inner heat or tummo, and that he gained enlightenment in one lifetime. Milarepa was also famous for his songs of awakening or dohas, which have inspired countless practitioners to this day.

One day Gampopa was sitting in his cave meditating all day and Milarepa asked him how long his meditation sessions lasted. Gampopa said he usually sat for six hours at a time.

Milarepa asked him what he experienced during that time. Gampopa responded, 

"Nothing at all- a great void.”

Milarepa exclaimed, "You fool! How can you sit for six hours and experience nothing at all? You are suppressing yourself, resting in an indifferent, neutral state- pleasant as it may be. Give up this so-called practice and begin according to my instruction."

Milarepa then sang a song about genuine practice:

The ultimate view is to observe ones mind, steadfastly and with determination,

Buddhahood cannot be found outside, so contemplate your own mind.

Behold and watch unborn awareness, how can common meditation match it?

The ultimate guru is Buddha-mind within, do no seek it elsewhere.

Recognizing ones true nature as dharmakaya,

Swiftly actualize immanent Buddhahood.

When Gampopa heard this song, he was humbled and immediately said he was going to renounce his monk robes and become a cotton clad ascetic just like Milarepa.

Again, Milarepa chastised him, "You fool, don't copy others! Each one of you must follow your own spiritual path."

Then Milarepa sang a song about the original monastic state-

One of letting go, surrender, simplicity, solitude, and recognizing the truth of selflessness.

At the end, Milarepa said, "Heal yourself, good physician monk, then you will naturally heal others. My teaching is mine, yours must be yours. Do whatever is necessary in order to evoke it from within."