Today I am pondering the concept of using real, honest, compassion as a tool of transformation, not only personal transformation, but transformation that extends out to the greater community, both locally and globally.
Compassion is simple. It's the chaotic reacting, lashing out, and creating the whole storyline of misery and unkindness that's difficult. Putting yourself in other's shoes, seeing suffering from their perspective, and then feeling a kinship with them opens the floodgates from which honest love and compassion spring forth. When we can realize that others act out and do so because they are suffering, we can then relate to that. It becomes real to us. Then our love and understanding for all sentient beings grows and expands.
Here in the west we have very mutually exclusive views. We think that "compassion" means "la de da, oh well, I'm going to be a sweetie and let everyone walk all over me." Nothing could be further from the truth. Sometimes, picking up a rifle and stopping a sniper from murdering hundreds of others IS compassion. If someone aims to harm myself or a friend or loved one, then I become Tony Soprano. Being compassionate does not mean being a wimp or not having goals. It just means that we don't try to control others, judge others, and we do not react with a harshness that perpetuates suffering. Have your goals, be tough, but as much as possible walk softly upon the earth.
Compassion starts with our thoughts, our speech, and certainly, our actions. Sometimes even harsh thoughts about a person can become a cause for suffering. Embrace all in your mind with love, and then just watch. You will be amazed.
True compassion leads to loving kindness, which leads to an awe-inspiring love which can transform the world. Being compassionate assures that we get some of the good stuff, too (that "karma thing"). The more we are compassionate to others, the more others feel good around us, and they begin to drop some of their harshness. "A soft answer turneth away wrath," so says a popular Bible verse. True and honest love and compassion sets a fire alight in people's hearts, and thus begins the transformation of our global community.
The more grace we give, the more grace we get. It's a law of the Universe. Do we choose unkindness towards others and create misery for all concerned, or do we use compassion and transmute our base human emotions in a way that effects us and others?
More on this to come.
Om Shanti - Peace!
Love and Light,
James
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