Compassion: What is That?

A Definition Explained

By

Tao Lecturer Bill Krause

Kuang Ming Saint Tao Temple

March 5, 2011

Compassion: What is That?

Synopsis: Sometimes a question can bring events to mind or past memories. We sometimes question our reaction to the event or memory. "Should I have done something else? Could I have done something else? We should explore why we ask these questions. This is but one of many meanings to this lecture. If one has asked this in the past, that can be the start of a compassionate attitude. Join us to expand this and many other thoughts this Saturday.

Compassion: What is That? First thing we need to do is to define

the word “Compassion”. According to the Merriam-Webster’s

Dictionary, compassion means a “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with the desire to alleviate it”.

Compassion: What is That? How does this definition apply to us? Does this mean that we must “feel

sorry“ for others? What is “feeling sorry” for others really

mean?

Compassion: What is That? Let’s illustrate by example what we

think compassion is? Feeling sorry that another person who

is not as good-looking as you are? Feeling sorry that another person who

is not as smart as you are? Feeling sorry that another person who

is not as rich as you are? …

Compassion: What is That? Are these compassionate feelings that

we have? Does this meet the criteria for the

definition? Do these examples meet our

expectations of compassion? How can we change this attitude?

Compassion: What is That? Many people talk about compassion

but few practice it. With some examples, let us explore

the real meaning of compassion.

Compassion: What is That? First example: In the late 80’s there

was a series of storms in Iowa that devastated many people and inflicted tremendous amount of property damage. A person stepped up the plate and wrote a check to the Red Cross to the tune of $1,000,000. This person did not wish to be identified.

Compassion: What is That? However, a very inquisitive reporter found out who gave the money. The person was Mary Croc, the husband of Ray Croc, the founder of McDonalds. She could have advertised this fact with maybe greater sales in her stores. However, she chose not to because she knew people needed help, not a news story. Giving without recognition nets a higher reward than shouting out the act.

Compassion: What is That? This example shows that if you are a

compassionate person, you worry only about people who need help, not the helper.

However, compassion is extremely difficult if a person is selfish, arrogant, or just plain ignorant of his surroundings.

Compassion: What is That? Second example would be natural

disasters. In 1994 the Northridge earthquake brought out the best in people helping those less fortunate. Don Ahern, even though his apartment collapsed in Northridge, still took the time to search for others in the adjoining apartments without concern for his own well-being.

Compassion: What is That? A third example is the 9-11 attack on

the World Trade Center in New York. This attack brought the nation together in its darkest hour. Even our temple felt the compassion for those who lost loved ones in that devastating attack.

There are many more examples that each of us can give.

Compassion: What is That? I am reminded of a song called, “What

a Wonderful World”. A verse reads like this:

“I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do, They’re really saying I love you”.

This verse shows how people can have love for one another. For without love, there can be no compassion.

Compassion: What is That? There seems to be two types of

compassion: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary compassion is the

willingness to freely give one’s time or wealth to aid others. Charities such as the United Way, Care, and The Red Cross are just a few of these organizations.

Compassion: What is That? The second type is involuntary

compassion where a person is thrust into a situation that commands some kind of action without premeditated thought.

An example would be if you see a child crossing a street and a car does not see the child, you react instinctively to save the child even if it threatens your own existence.

Compassion: What is That? This is the highest level of

sacrifice, placing oneself in intimate danger to aid another without thinking of the consequences. This is true compassion.

Compassion: What is That? We each have our own idea about

compassion, we talk about it and sometimes practice it, but what we should do is to show others by our example how compassion can be put to good use.

Compassion: What is That? Nothing yet has been mentioned

about Tao, yet It is the driving influence that powers our commitment to help others in times of need. Follow the Tao and the love and compassion will also follow.

And remember…

Compassion: What is That?

Questions for Discussion:

1. What indications do we have that compassion is part of our True Nature?

2. Has any experience that you have had or witnessed changed your attitude toward others? Explain the circumstances without getting too personal.