If we want to create a viable, peaceful world,
we’ve got to integrate compassion
into the gritty realities of 21st century life.
Karen Armstrong
Any religion that teaches compassion
is a good religion.
Dali Lama
Compassion is seen by many as central to religious attitude and behavior. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto” (Matthew 7:12), “What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man” (Rabbi Hillel), and other ways of phrasing the “golden rule” are prominent in all major religious traditions.
But, showing true compassion – particularly toward those with different backgrounds from our own – is more frequently talked about than done. For compassion to be exhibited regularly, it needs to be seen as a primary/“need-to-do”, vs. secondary/“nice-to-do” value, and it requires attention and practice. As Karen Armstrong put it:
“Compassion is a practically acquired knowledge, like dancing.
You must do it and practice diligently day by day.”
Some thoughts and tips and efforts toward encouraging compassion are shown in links below.
Links
The golden rule in varied traditions – from “Oneness”
Statements from Karen Armstrong
…..Quotes
…..Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life
…..TED talk