Compassion
182. FEEL DEEPLY
“The more we know, the better we forgive. Those who feel deeply feel for all living beings.”
MADAME DE STAËL (1766–1817), FRANCE
183. COMPASSION FOR OURSELVES
The Dalai Lama has said that if compassion does not extend to ourselves, it is not complete. If we see ourselves as equal to everyone else, it is easier to love others. And when we understand that others’ longing for happiness is as great as our own, it is easier to wish all sentient beings well.
184. COMPASSION IN OUR BONES
“Great compassion penetrates into the marrow of the bone. It is the support of all living beings. Like the love of a father for his only son, the tenderness of a Buddha is all-pervasive.”
NAGARJUNA (C.150–250), INDIA
Avalokiteshvara is the Buddhist embodiment of compassion, who guards the world in the interval between the Buddha Shakyamuni and the future Buddha Maritreya. He made a vow that he would not rest until he had liberated every being from all the realms of suffering. He is known by many different names, and is often shown with many arms and many heads so that he can work with myriad beings at the same time.
186. A CONSEQUENCE OF REBIRTH
Buddhism teaches that unless someone reaches enlightenment in this lifetime, they will be reborn. If we are all reincarnated, it is possible that those whom we do not like or even know may have been our parents, family or friends in a former life. Meditating on this makes it easier to feel compassion.
187. SOLID START
“Compassion is the basis of morality.”
ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER (1788–1860), GERMANY