... and dharmam exists only in the deed.

A friend was commenting on how the stories of the goodness of the poor need to be preserved. While agreeing, I also feel that the real way of preserving is by engageing with the 'poor'. Actively deeply, respectfully, humbly.

They are able to share of their essentials, and so their words of dharma ring true. It is only in  practicing that dharma - as they do -  that the dharma will be kept alive. Otherwise maybe it is just pleasant words we share with each other, and maybe just an indulgence.