Compassion is an often-used word, but rarely understood. According to the Buddha, compassion is the relief of suffering. So, what is suffering? Buddha used the word ‘dukkha.’ We do not have an English equivalent, so often we use the word suffering, or dissatisfaction, or the German ‘angst.’ What does it mean? The Buddha taught 3 levels of dukkha – obvious physical and mental pain; the suffering of change; and all-pervasive conditioned suffering. The last is the root of all suffering. It is ignorance, or not knowing reality correctly. The opposite is wisdom realizing reality correctly. This is the exact point at which Buddhist wisdom becomes sine qua non for relieving suffering, or essential for compassion. More on this in the next few posts. My new book on this subject is now out – ‘Nagarjuna’s Wisdom,’ is available on Amazon.
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Genuine compassion
Sometimes when we practice compassion, others may take advantage of us. They may even bully or abuse us. In general, compassion means helping others reduce and eliminate their suffering. Practically, if we allow the bully […]
Message
May I regard him as my sublime master
We are moving along in our journey towards cultivate more love and compassion directed to ourselves and others through this awesome classic short text written about 1000 years ago on cultivating compassion. Verse 6 from […]
Message
Offer happiness and peace to all my mother
This awesome text on compassion written nearly 1300 years ago, called ‘8 Verses of Mind Training’ by the humble Samurai Spiritual Warrior Langri Thangpa.’ Verse 7 reads: “In short, may I directly and indirectly Offer […]