To the extent that our experience of suffering reminds us of what everyone else also endures, it serves as a powerful inspiration to practice compassion and avoid causing others pain. And to the extent that suffering awakens our empathy and causes us to connect with others, it serves as the basis of compassion and love. His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches this wisdom.
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The joy of love
Joy comes in many forms. The subtle lasting ones are the best. Even better is when the joys are dedicated to others, in the service of others, bringing love to others. Then the joy radiates […]
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Empathy and compassion
Last night in Tokyo with my Human Values Institute group we discussed in some detail the distinctions between empathy and compassion. I had just stepped off a 12+ hour flight, and spent about 20 hours […]
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Recognizing others’ suffering opens our hearts to compassion
We must be careful when we tap into the massive suffering in the world, not to be crushed and overwhelmed. Recognizing others’ suffering opens our hearts to compassion. It does not close our hearts. This […]