One of the highest teachings of the Buddha is that of compassion.
What exactly is compassion? John Makransky, PhD in his book entitled, “Compassion in Buddhist Psychology,” says compassion is a companion to empathy. We as humans sense others pain, and we look for ways to alleviate this pain. When we look at the world filled with compassion we are able to understand the causes of suffering and naturally we wish to create an atmosphere of healing.
(Image Credit: Spiritual Love)
That is what the movement called, 1000 Voices for Compassion is all about. Join in and spread compassion throughout the world today.
How will you show your compassion for all of humanity?
Thank you for stopping by to visit today. Until next time,
Great post Colleen. I think the world needs more compassion. Maybe if we, as individuals and as a society had more compassion, there would be fewer problems.
So true Michelle. 💖
Colleen, I just got wind of this “day of compassion” (not sure what it’s called” and also read a post that has a couple of great TED Talks about compassion, plus it’s just a great blog anyway. Thought you might enjoy:
http://norahcolvin.com/2015/02/20/1000speak-for-compassion/
Thank you. 💖
What a lovely quote. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Colleen. Great quote and great feeling. I’m translating to English a book about a retreat in a Buddhist monastery. It’s a subject I’ve become very interested in recently. Thanks for the inspiration
How interesting Olga. Good luck with your translations.
I recently saw the documentary “10 questions for the Dalai Lama”” and learned so much…so happy to see this post 🙂
Although I follow Theravada Buddhism, I follow the Dali Lama and the wisdom of his words. I am so glad you enjoyed the documentary. He is an extraordinary person alive in our time. <3
I agree, and I’m amazed at the wisdom and compassionate view – and forgiveness to China despite all the suffering of the Tibetan people.
Yes. His story is uplifting to all of us. A better example of compassion I cannot come up with.
Nice quote – thank you for it – I managed to get a post together for this cause – I feel quite passionate about the lack of true compassion in the word – little pockets of it shine out.
Glad you jumped in Alberta. The more people that express a desire for compassion, the more we do away with negativity. <3
Always banging on about it -‘ tis hard work though:)
I know. It is hard to find a balance and not judge. I try and know I fall short sometimes too. <3
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I’m so glad you decided to share your ideas about compassion with the #1000Speak movement today. I love the concept of the “human family” and only hope that one day we can extend that concept to include all living beings and even the planet!
I do too. Most importantly, right now we are serving mankind by talking about compassion and bringing it to the forefront of our thoughts. We have wiped out 1000 words of negativity on the planet today in favor of compassion! <3
Loved it my dear friend. Love the message, the moment, and the movement. Thank you for your beauty and talent. ❤️
Thank you for your kind sentiments. We are truly blessed in our WordPress Community. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet you. <3 Thank you for your beauty and talent also. You continue to inspire me daily.
You’re very welcome my sweet friend. I agree truly blessed by WordPress. And thank you for saying I inspire you!!! Truly an honour to be a link in your golden chain of friends. 💞
Not that has become the highlight of my day. Thank you too my friend. <3
Awe I’m so happy I could do that for you, as you are mine. I wrote a poem for Writer’s quote Wednesday. I’m not sure if I linked up right. I wrote it late last night. 💞
I will look for it. 😊
Thank you sweetie. 😘
You might enjoy my other site, Colleen. You are inspiring me to update it. https://shunyatadharma.wordpress.com/
Please do. I just looked quickly but will visit in greater detail later. We need to hear these words. <3
The more of us who focus on, and practice compassion; the more our entire community of souls will transform into a more compassionate being. We move ever closer to the Bodhisattva ideal of enlightenment for all beings 😉
That is absolutely true. I agree with every word you have said. <3
A beautiful post, Colleen. You may enjoy the book I’m reading at the moment, Supercharged Taoist, by Stephen Russell. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/supercharged-taoist-stephen-russell/1111739562?ean=9781401927646
There is an interesting ongoing conversation about the nature of compassion, and its expression, throughout this memoir. The truest expression of compassion is when one can look at all living creatures as parts of oneself- emanations of the One. I hope all is well with you, Elizabeth
Elizabeth, I will have to investigate that book. As a Buddhist, I try to see all of us as humans in a collective hive of souls, if you will. We are all part of the oneness. Our world is in great turmoil and all we can do is try and project a compassion for all other humans and their beliefs. It is a hard task for all of us. <3
Here is a quotation to ponder, which I found in my reading this morning from that book by Stephen Russell: “The material plane is an illusion. It’s generated by an unseen presence: God, the Tao, the Great Spirit. Only that is real; everything else is relative. If yo want to change the merely relative, do so by changing your relationship with the real… ‘But how? How do we change it? ‘ … ‘By praying. By ‘illusioning’ it away.’ ” I’ve looked at these religious paths through the lens of quantum physics for some time now. There is a wonderful parallel between ‘ the Source Field’ and the Tao, the ‘hive of souls’ you mention. You, dear Colleen, have nudged me into this post today: https://shunyatadharma.wordpress.com/?p=1596&preview=true Thank you 😉 WG
The inspiration is mutual. I thank you for inspiration likewise. Keep that site up and running. I already followed and find great peace in your words. <3
Thank you, Colleen. I sent you an incorrect address earlier. Here is the correct address for my post to that site on compassion: https://shunyatadharma.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/widening-our-circle-of-compassion/
I found you from the email I received from subscribing to your blog. <3
Be eating less and enjoying it more? I had 3 Buddha’s on my desk. Now I only have two. Someone took a Buddha from me, so I was being compassionate without my knowledge :O)
Thank you for the inspiration. Now I think I’ll go write something ridiculous to balance it out… LOL!
It takes all kinds in this world doesn’t it? Hopefully, the Buddha will bring some peace to the individual who felt compelled to steal. Maybe you should have copies of the 8 Fold Path (http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/8foldpath.htm) to hand out too. LOL. This post was part of the 1000 Voices for Compassion. <3
Great quote by the Dalai Lama..Thank you for sharing Colleen!
Thank you Nishi. I am Buddhist so it came naturally. <3