Cultivate compassion for yourself and others from "summary" of Being Zen by Ezra Bayda
The essence of Zen practice is the cultivation of compassion. This compassion must begin with ourselves. We must learn to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we would offer to a friend in need. This means acknowledging our own suffering and struggles without judgment. It means embracing our imperfections and vulnerabilities with an open heart. Once we have learned to cultivate compassion for ourselves, we can then extend that compassion to others. We can begin to see the humanity in everyone we encounter, recognizing that we are all connected by our shared experiences of joy and suffering. This understanding allows us to approach others with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment and resentment. Cultivating compassion for ourselves and others is not always easy. It requires a willingness to let go of our ego-driven desires and expectations. It requires us to be vulnerable and open to the pain and suffering of ourselves and others. But through this practice, we can discover a deep sense of connection and belonging that transcends our individual differences.- Cultivating compassion is a practice of radical acceptance. It is a commitment to showing up for ourselves and others with kindness and understanding, no matter what challenges we may face. It is a recognition that we are all imperfect beings, struggling to find our way in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable. And it is a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all deserving of love and compassion.
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