Compassion for our fellow humans is a cornerstone of most religions, and few people can go through life without being influenced by the sufferings of others in some manner.
The Buddhist canon is replete with exhortations to have compassion for others in order to elevate the soul to new spiritual heights and achieve bliss. In actuality, most individuals perceive other people's suffering to be an embarrassment on multiple levels.
Physical manifestations of ugliness or sickness frequently encourage people to avoid the affected because they are embarrassed to be seen with them in case it is contagious!
Those frequently don't know what to do or say to aid people with mental or emotional disorders, which can create shame. Embarrassment of affiliation can occur as a result of social troubles such as divorce or scandal.
Compassion is something that can be learned.
We also find it difficult to feel compassion for others if we are unhappy with ourselves. Low self-esteem makes it difficult to create a sympathetic and tolerant attitude toward daily life, much alone reach the balance of total mental and spiritual freedom.
Compassion, on the other hand, is more than just being kind to others - human or animal - it is an essential aspect of spiritual development.
It may be defined in Buddhist terms as a peaceful, non-harming, and non-aggressive mental attitude characterized by: a sense of commitment, responsibility, and respect for others (human and animal); a sense of affinity and connection with others (human and animal); and a state of mind that wishes for these things for oneself.
Recent studies demonstrate that growing compassion and generosity has a favorable influence on our physical and emotional health, according to psychiatrist Howard Cutler.
Not only that, but connecting with others in a warm and empathetic manner extends life expectancy, and a happy mindset can boost physical health.
It comes to reason that if true compassion for another's pain may enhance one's health and self-esteem, then genuine compassion for another's suffering can also help heal a wounded soul.
Be honest:
- Where do you stand in terms of compassion right now?
- How would you rate your compassion level: high, low, or average?
- Do you have a higher level of sympathy for animals than you do for humans?
- Do you currently participate in any type of volunteer work?
To be fair, it's becoming increasingly difficult to have compassion for folks who find themselves in bad situations these days. This is primarily due to extensive media coverage, which has made us resistant to the frightening pictures that surface on our television screens and in periodicals on a regular basis. Because the sight can no longer distinguish between reality and fantasy, the brain fails to recognize that the calamity is affecting real people.
Consider what's going on closer to home, and remember that a tiny, heartfelt effort may have the same impact as a huge gesture.
You may also want to read more about Spirituality and Healing here.
Be sure to check out my writings on Religion here.
