Compassion is the basis of Bhakti in Hinduism. The Sanskrit name for it is Daya and Karuna. It is also one of the three virtues along with charity and self-control. Vedas and other sacred texts composed before 1500 BC speak about compassion. Spirituality refers to Ahimsa which is a Sanskrit word meaning refraining from harmful activities. And it is the central concept of compassion.
Compassion is not the mere result of non-attachment but rather the act of directing love towards spiritual purity. In Chandogya Upanishad compassion is referred to as Tat Tvam Asi which means that the true self, Atman is not separate from the universal consciousness. The Pranagnihotra Upanishad states that the acts of non-violence and compassion combined with patience are in itself a form of worship.
Compassion is that which makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others. It crushes and destroy the pain of others; thus, it is called compassion. It is called so because it shelters and embraces the distressed. – Buddha
Karuna is also referred to as compassion and is considered the foremost teaching in the Buddhist tradition. According to the Buddhists if one wants to be happy, one must practice compassion. Wishing that others are free of their suffering is another characteristic of compassion.
Compassion is derived from Latin meaning Co-suffering, when we share the joy and suffering of a fellow being, we are said to be compassionate.
How to learn to be compassionate?
- Be kind and patient.
- Be empathetic.
- Be helpful.
- Be appreciative of others.
- Be non-judgmental.
How to be self-compassionate?
- Self-kindness.
- Self-forgiveness.
- Self-generosity.
- Self-appreciativeness.
Dear ones, it is important for us to be compassionate to all humanity and to be compassionate to ourselves. By being aware of the presence of the Divinity all around us, we will awaken the divinity within ourselves.
Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi
Aim Hrim Klim