Compassion
A human being is part of the whole, called by us "universe," limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a prison, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons close to us.
Our task must be to free ourselves from our prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all humanity and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.
-- Albert Einstein
posted by Class Officers at
11:28 AM
3 Comments:
It's difficult for most people to be compassionate...we want to be entertained, and if the 'flavour of the day' ceases to be fun, we move on.
We can't deal with the sorrows, hardships, sufferings of others. Not entertaining enough.
What would it take for us to say "I'm sorry," "I hope you feel better soon," "Wish you all the best"?
Not much, but we find it soooo haaaard to do.
Meaness of spirit, do you think? Shallow? I don't know.
When I think compassion, I think of the ability to put yourself in someone's situation. I also think compromise. I heard a lecture from a very smart man named Joeseph Campbell once. He said that all relationships start with passion, but passion fades. Passion is in a moment. Sure, good relationships will have many moments of passion, but it is compassion that makes the relationship work. It is the compromises we make for eachother to share a life together.
As a universe, we are all involved in a relationship which we must show compassion for. I just believe people are sometimes so caught up in their own ego, problems and life, they become oblivious to the world around them. I don't think it is meaness of spirit or boredom, I think it is people who are asleep to the world around them. Einstien thinks we should see eachother as brothers, sisters, lovers, parents, aunts and uncles. We are all connected somehow.
You've given me something better to think about when you say this: "I just believe people are sometimes so caught up in their own ego, problems and life, they become oblivious to the world around them. I don't think it is meaness of spirit or boredom, I think it is people who are asleep to the world around them."
I like your blog, it's a great blend of everything.
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