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| COMPASSION By Rev. Diane Powell This is a talk Diane did at the Temple of Universality service on September 9, 2001. It will be continued over the next few months. Namaste. Compassion, as I experience it in my life and attitude, is empathy for another's misfortunes, disappointments, and mental sufferings caused by loss or perceptions of various situations they are encountering. By empathy, I mean to attempt to understand the strong feelings another human being may be experience in difficult situations. Times when another human needs only to be reminded of the Creator's love, light and desire that you remember these! First I "listen" from my heart and soul to their spirit and ask to be heard at a deeper level. Once this is established, we raise above a given situation to a place where our spirits communicate. Here is where clearer thoughts can be processed. It is amazing how situations viewed from the higher vantage point can be "transmuted" (actually transformed, or "changed") from lower, sorrow filled thoughts to higher inspirations and even, as a result, solutions. When another human is in the midst of a difficult time (for any reason), just a look, a touch, your time, your sincere listening and caring enough to do so, can assist in their desire to find their truth. The Dali Lama says: "My religion is kindness." Compassion is contagious. How can anyone understand compassion unless you feel it? It is my strong belief that everyone in this room today has come together to experience universal oneness. You may remember in my last talk on "The Holy Grail Lives', you were reminded to elevate earth to the ways of heaven. We create heaven. In truth, don't you want others to remember and experience this? Once you have experienced the joy and light, you know it takes you beyond all realms previously known. Let your heart and soul take time to be with another so they may get beyond their dark moments and also be elevated (or enlightened) to a place where they are able to begin their healing. This takes only heart, or, soul-felt kindness - compassion. Compassion is a sacred gift meant to be shared. More important than yard work and/or housework - more important than so many unnecessary (so-called) priorities that we place in our own paths. On the 'fly page' of "Buddhist Acts of Compassion", His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche states that: "Compassion is the essence of all authentic spirituality and transcends any definitions and differences of religions." The editor/author of this same book, Pamela Bloom, states a strong truth: "Even the smallest act of compassion can have an enormous effect." In my opinion, the healing powers of compassion can be enormous! I will quote four sentences from the first page: • "There is no such thing as a Buddhist act of compassion. • A genuine Buddhist practitioner would never be interested in labeling any act 'Buddhist', let alone one of compassion. • In Buddhist teachings, compassion is universal. · Even Mother Theresa said: 'Religion has nothing to do with compassion." It is a selfless act that builds the foundation for enlightenment. Some humans confess to have no compassion. If you truly seek spiritual growth, if you sincerely claim to be spiritual, simply be compassionate without any thoughts of reward or impatience, drop and release the selfishness and remember! Some are born remembering and know. We are here to experience and to learn and then, to reach and help someone else. When another requires assistance in this remembrance, be there, then you both will be elevated! |
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