Compassion is the foundation of Hinduism and it involves Bhutadaya (universal empathy). Universal empathy extends beyond humans to all living creatures and responsibility for the natural world. It explains interconnectedness of life and how suffering ultimately affects everyone.

The assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively outrageous example of western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality. – Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 – 1860)

He was a famous German philosopher and was recognized as the artist’s philosopher. He saw Hinduism, particularly the Upanishads and the concept of tat tvam asi (this thou art) as leading directly to compassion.

Dear ones, where has our empathy and compassion gone? We are poisoning our air, rivers and food. We have forgotten that we must practice universal compassion and Atmabhava. Our wise sages and philosophers have consistently said recognise the divinity all around you and awaken the divinity within yourself.

Just follow Swami Sivananda’s saying, love, serve and give.

Aim Hrim Klim