Compassion

“We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In my previous blogs, I focused on love and forgiveness, of self and others. Compassion is another key to becoming our true spiritual selves.

Each of us has been impacted differently by life events. We see the world and react based upon our upbringing which shapes our perspectives. We cannot know the inner workings of the minds of others. We only see their physical and verbal responses to people, issues, or events.

While we may find certain attitudes and behaviors distasteful or worse, we can also understand that there is a soul, a part of the Creator, residing in each of us that yearns to love and be loved unconditionally. Having compassion is understanding that there is a ‘story behind the story’ and is the way to ‘love the sinner, not the sin.’

When I was 14, one of my classmates who was two years older than me, and much bigger, began threatening and bullying me, attempting to goad me into fighting him. In short, I didn’t like him. Over time I began to understand that he was lonely, acting out because no one would hang out with him. He used fear as a tool to gain recognition. Once I realized that this was the case, I changed the way I thought about and interacted with him. We became friends.

Following are some quotes that have helped me gain a better understanding of the importance of compassion.

Rosemary Altea, in her book, Proud Spirit, had this to say about compassion:

“For in giving love and sympathy to another’s distress or suffering, great understanding of your own soul will be your discovery.”

“Then just being kind, just being patient, just showing love for thy fellow man; that is the manner in which an individual works at becoming aware of the consciousness of the Christ Spirit.” - Edgar Cayce

“Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. As the source of both inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the survival of our species…they are the source of all spiritual qualities: of forgiveness, tolerance and all of the virtues…they are the very things that gives meaning to our activities and makes them constructive…Peace and joy become our constant companions…This then is my true religion…Our own heart, our own mind is the temple. The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are…as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy.” - Excerpts from Ethics for the New Millennium, by Dalai Lama

Love, forgiveness, and compassion are keys to growing spiritually as we walk this physical plane on our journey to be One with Wakan Tanka (God). Peace and blessings.

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