True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

What better place than in a board called Radical acts of compassion to discuss what true compassion is?

This discussion began with a distinction between compassion and idiot compassion in the thread where we were discussing Rush Limbaugh.

I would like to begin by thanking Mascha, mary and others who have recently inspired me to look much more deeply at this issue.

There is a fairly good wiki overview here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compassion:

In the various Hindu traditions, compassion is called DAYA, and, along with charity and self-control, is one of the three central virtues…


Compassion or karuna is at the transcendental and experiential heart of the Buddha's teachings. He was reputedly asked by his secretary, Ananda, “Would it be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is a part of our practice?” To which the Buddha replied, “No. It would not be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is part of our practice. It would be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindess and compassion is all of our practice.”…


Compassion for all life, human and non-human, is central to the Jain tradition…


(In the Jewish tradition) Compassion, empathy, altruism, kindness and love are frequently used interchangeably in common usage. When the concept is examined in depth it becomes clear that compassion is more than simply a human emotion. Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, is particularly clear about this…


 The life of Jesus embodies for Christiansthe very essence of compassion. Christ's example challenges Christians to forsake their own desires and to act compassionately towards others, particularly those in need or distress…


The Muslim scriptures urge compassion towards captives as well as to widows, orphans and the poor. Traditionally, Zakat, a toll tax to help the poor and needy, was obligatory upon all Muslims (9:60). One of the practical purposes of fasting orsawm during the month of Ramadan is to help one empathize with the hunger pangs of those less fortunate, to enhance sensitivity to the suffering of others and develop compassion for the poor and destitute.

So, it would appear that compassion is very, very important across religious traditions. Yet compassion is often absent from religious interactions within communities and from the way that many religious people deal with people of different beliefs.

What is compassion really? How do we become more truly compassionate? What are some of the pitfalls into which we can fall while seeking to be compassionate (i.e. co-dependency, enabling negative behaviours and so on)?

I eagerly look forward to exploring this in depth with you all.

Love,

Nicole

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

Interesting topic Nicole. I can't say I really sat on the subject of compassion in any depth other than understanding the importance of embracing it and trying to model this for my kids. That is an interesting question, how do you teach compassion or can you? Why do some folks seem to lack it or do they?

So far I can offer rather honestly is it appears my most sincere acts of compassion come from the “know how it feels” scenario. For instance, I know the true pain of hunger, poverty and homelessness so it is from this “know how it feels” where I seek my motivation to reach out to others. If you never really experienced a hunger in the tummy, your not so likely to reach out all the same. “A little hunger ain't so bad for anyone.”

So my most compassionate acts come from a passion to eradicate hunger or is that just a passion?

I don't know.

Pitfalls while seeking compassion…well it might be judgement of others? I have to say, that the over the top compassionate type fall into the too preachy and much to finger pointy for my liking.

Interesting topic.

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

Oh, I am delighted that you are here, Denim. There have been been some excellent comments over on my blog “True Compassion - your invitation to discuss
that I would like you and others to see, if you have time.


It seems to me that understanding the importance of embracing compassion and trying to model it for your kids is a huge part of sitting with compassion in depth. Don't you think?


So, yes, experience is vital for compassion. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:


 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

Ah…very well than, the discussion is in your blog…I will take a look at it.

thanks

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

Well, I was hoping we could discuss here too, but it looks like most of the excitement is there :) anyone care to add anything to that discussion here?

much love,

Nicole

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

To me, compassion is a selfless act of kindness that benefits another. It doesn't matter whether another is a person, animal, plant or groups thereof. A true act of compassion is an act on behalf of The Lord.

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

I certainly agree with all previously mentioned definitions, and feel that many have lost the magic and power of the Word (not necessarily biblical for I am not particular to just one book that was modified to control the masses) all words invoke there essential powers, and compassion is definitely misunderstood and misused by those who only dip into the shallow end, or not, for there are many as well whom never once opened a book or had a discussion on the subject who connect with their fellow reality and reach out to support everything just as much as the buddha himself. To me compassion is the upholding of the frequencies of light bringing about acceptance, real LOVE, peace, understanding and the cessation of suffering, brought about through learning. There is a billion plus ways to spread light and joy, and the list never stops growing.

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

Awesome response, thanks. By the way, if anyone has not looked at my blog recently, please do. The discussion burgeoned beautifully there in many fascinating ways

“True Compassion - your invitation to discuss

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

I feel that our collective yearning for compassion is created because it feels so good to have One be compassionate towards you, so usually we do all we can to give compassion to others, knowing that this karmic circle of life will return that same compassion to us again one day.

Re: True Compassion - your invitation to discuss :)

I think you are onto something here. Compassion spreads great warmth throughout one's life!

Love,

Nicole