Compassion

[David Beans]

"Compassion is that which makes the heart of the Good move at the pain of others. It crushes and destroys the pain of others. Thus, it is called compassion. It is called compassion because it shelters and embraces the distressed." - The Buddha

Compassion is the emotion of where we (as humans) differ from most other creatures. For it is in all of us to have compassion not only for ourselves or each other, but for all living things.

As we go and help others in this world, compassion is most likely the main driver. We feel instinctively for others, there is no question. Whether we choose to accept such feelings and act upon them or whether some life conditioning prevents us from acting, compassion does lie within us all. We are capable when it comes to compassion, but how we accept it and act upon it, there the dilemma lies.

To become truly compassionate, one must first have compassion for one's self. Forgive your feelings of limitation; forgive the guilt you may feel over some past event, let go of the pain and feel the inner peace. Once you have touched the inner peace, know that you have touched the truth and move out into this world with greater compassion for others. For you know their pain and you know now how to heel.

Compassion exists because we as feeling beings know pain. We want the pain and suffering to end. This world is unfortunately filled with such, it is time that we act and become the force we want to see in this world.

Looking forward to your replies,
David

[PaulineMaria]

Hi David,

My apologies for a delayed reply.

Compassion is something many of us feel given the awareness of situation and consequence. However, with a part of this information hidden, our experience might be diluted and even misunderstood by ourselves as well as the message we give off to other people. We see total strangers reach out to a nation in crisis and yet someone might be suffering on our own doorstep and this be seemingly ignored. Where is compassion in this situation? I wonder if it is not actually lost at all.

Some people pretend all is ok when it is not. We do not talk to neighbours like we used to - if anything society is conditioning neighbours to ignore each other; part of this might be fear related or it could be that individuals find theirselves too caught up in their own world to consider someone else....especially someone who is not related. We even see family members seemingly blind to what is going on with their nearest and dearest. I hear people complain they have no time....for a loved one that is hurting and reaching out???

When we protect those around us, by hiding our pain, struggle and suffering we are robbing individuals the chance to feel compassion - a powerful emotion that drives us all to try do something positive and make a difference....to reach out and care. Denial of feelings could result in stress overload and other consequential manifestations. Eventually there comes a time when we need to address what is really going on....

When we hide our feelings from children - we are robbing the future adults of our society the experience of recognising what compassion is - because even young children feel this powerful feeling with their own being...and in their limited way will show they care. Children are very interesting to observe and learn from...particularly as many of us have been conditioned to conform and say the right thing at the right time. Children do not forget how to be congruent - as adults we were conditioned to be otherwise.

When we pretend all is ok when it is not....we are shortchanging 'everyone' from having a congruent emotional experience. That personal experience is one that can cause us to review our life; our situation and examine what we need to be doing to assist our process - to move forward in life. We become teachers when we allow other people the opportunity to feel their feelings and express what is going on in their lives. We become inspirers by being true to ourselves and feeling compassion from our hearts.

When we feel our feelings we can feel compassion at the core of our being. This is what drives so many people to be who they are. Compassionate people are found driving humanitarian causes and raising awareness of what really matters in life. Compassion is what drives many of us to want to make a difference in the world. Compassion is the feeling that despite how difficult things get in our own life, we still feel for another person and their situation.

Compassion is an unconditional emotion of caring about another person - whether that be a total stranger, loved one or friend. There are no boundaries or limitations to who we can feel compassion for...the only boundary and limitation is the knowledge we have of someones situation and what brought them to experience certain suffering. When we are true to ourselves we are more open to be aware of what might be really going on with other people.

Very interesting article and a subject that could be expanded on. I look forward to reading other peoples contributions.

Pauline Maria

[Ravi Pratap Shahi]

Well a very compassionate discussion topic !

In our Indian society " Vasudeo Kutumbakam" whole universe is family is the main theme. This includes every aspects of sensitivity or compassion for evert living or non living things in the universe.
The worshiping of trees,animals,people around you, even stones symbolises this sentiment. You will be surpirsed to know that we Indians have worship days for rats, snakes,cows,birds,many veriety of trees, air, water, fire etc. Practically every thing nature has provided us, is worshiped by us. The up bringing in the typical Hindu family brings all those compassions we are talking about and much more.
Such people who have sacrificed their lives for protection of others unknown people around them , are in our folk lore.
But Pauline Maria is right, the circumstances are changing and we are getting confused with a peacful better life and materialistic rich life. Our youngsters are now rushing to the large salaries, big cars, biger and biger houses, and larger spendings, forgetting the word satisfaction and compassion towards universe as whole. There seesm to be no end to more and more culture.
We have to stop and think at one point, as to how can I be happy if the person beside me is suffering. If air around me is bad how long I can breath in an enclosed area. The self has to come out in open and at that point you will have to be with every living or non living thing aroud you, irrespective of whereever you go.