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Subject
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Practicing compassion
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Original Message
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It seems to me some people mix up practicing compassion with pity. Or that practicing compassion should be pointed only to those that are emotionally attached to us. People are in some what delusion that if you are not emotionally attached to person whom you spread your compassion is impossible. The buddha taught us that we should practice loving-kindness and compassion towards all sentient beings without any exceptions ,regardless do we like them or not.
Compassion and pity should not be mixed up. Pity has it roots in fear and it carries this sense of arrogance and condescencion, sometimes even a smug feeling of "Glad it's not me". The key is to realize that all beings are the same and we all suffer in same way, and to honor all those who suffer, and to know that you are neither separate from nor superior to anyone.
And compassion without emotional attachment is possible. We should clarify the difference between attachment and compassion. You see true compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave towards us negatively. Genuine compassion is not based on our own expectations but on the needs of the other.
We all think in some level that compassion is important, but problem is that the compassion is flawed. We measure it out. Example, we feel compassion for people around us but not for animals and other types of sentient beings. Or in other way there is some who feel compassion for animals and other sentient beings but not for human. Or we feel compassion only people in our country but for not others in other countries. We simply draw line somewhere. We feel compassion for those on one side of the line but not for those on the other side of the line. That is why our compassion is flawed. It is not necessary to draw that line. Nor is it suitable. Everyone, including you wants compassion, and we can practice our compassion to everyone, every single sentient being.
"Whatever joy there is in this world
All comes from desiring others to be happy,
And whatever suffering there is in this world,
All comes from desiring myself to be happy.
But what need is there to say much more?
The childish work for their own benefit,
The Buddhas work for the benefit of others.
Just look at the difference between them!"
-Shantideva
Love & Light!
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