Attempting to change others is meddling in their karma and interfering with their destiny.

Does a truly reliable teacher make choices for you? No, that’s your responsibility. His duty lies only in whether he clearly explains the causes and effects. If he does, he has done his job.

As for how you choose to act, that’s on you. His responsibility is reflected in whether he printed “smoking is harmful to your health” on the pack, and whether he clearly explained why smoking is harmful, the degree of risk, and the probabilities involved.

If he accomplishes that, he’s excellent and responsible. He is accountable to the process, not to you. After you fully understand all the causes and effects, you still have the right to choose to smoke.

No one in this world can cover for you. Everyone has their own destiny—parents have theirs, children have theirs, spouses have theirs. Each person bears the consequences of their own actions. You can explain cause and effect in advance, and you can define the boundaries of mutual support, but you cannot intervene without limits or boundaries.

An egg that breaks its shell from the inside is a new life. But if you insist on breaking it from the outside, your good intentions will only result in a mess.