The Origin of Compassion
It is currently believed that there is evidence suggesting that the origins of compassion have deep roots in our evolutionary history. Compassion lies too at the heart of major religious, ethical and spiritual traditions. In the Buddhist tradition, compassion is regarded as the heart that trembles in the face of suffering, and considered one of the four divine abodes. In Islam, of the 99 names of God, Allah the compassionate is the very first name that appears in the Quran, in the very first line of the first Surah. On the Vatican News website (2019), Pope Francis had been quoted to say that compassion is the language of God, for compassion enables a person to see reality and to understand its true dimensions.
The "Is" of Compassion
Compassion is the ability, capacity, and willingness, to suffer together with another person; without internalising the suffering; in ways that naturally motivates you to take actions to end the suffering, and contribute to the well being of another; in a way that preserves your own well-being as well.
The Practice of Compassion
Because compassion is an active state of being and intention, it requires the consistent practicing and cultivation of three key virtues.
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First, courage. Because it requires you to resist your innate desire to resist pain, and feel the suffering of another as if it’s your own. This is the heart component of compassion. |
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Second, wisdom. Because you need to be able to not drown in the pain so that you can discern the essence of the situation. This is the mind component of compassion |
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Third, power. This represents both the ability and the authority to take the necessary actions to alleviate the suffering. This is the doing component of compassion. |
The Nuances of Compassion
Compassion seems so intuitive and basic that it is hard to imagine anyone disagreeing that anyone should not be compassionate. Yet, everyone seems to have their own version of what is (not) compassion, and when it is (not) desirable / necessary. So how does anyone navigate the quagmire of compassion's hues of black-grey-white? Well, I hope to catalyse your clarity by inviting you to read my articles on compassion and/or visit my curated resource list.