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Practice compassion towards oneself and others from "summary" of The Zen of Living and Dying by Philip Kapleau
Compassion is a quality much extolled in today's world, but it is a quality that can easily be misunderstood. Compassion is not mere sentiment or emotion; it is not something we feel only when we witness suffering in others. True compassion is an action, a way of being in the world that arises from a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings. To practice compassion towards oneself and others is to recognize that we are all part of the same web of existence. When we offer compassion to others, we are also offering it to ourselves, for we are all interconnected. This is not a matter of pity or sympathy, but of recognizing our shared humanity and treating one another with kindness and respect. Compassion begins with oneself. We must first learn to be gentle and forgiving with ourselves before we can extend that same kindness to others. This means acknowledging our own suffering and shortcomings with honesty and compassion, rather than harsh self-criticism. When we are able to practice self-compassion, we are better able to extend that same compassion to others. We can see beyond the surface of their actions and behaviors to the deeper pain and suffering that may be driving them. This does not mean condoning harmful behavior, but rather responding with understanding and kindness. Compassion is not always easy. It requires us to set aside our own ego and desires, and to truly listen and empathize with others. It means being willing to sit with discomfort and uncertainty, rather than rushing to fix or solve problems. This is the true practice of compassion: being present with ourselves and others in times of suffering, offering our presence and support without judgment or expectation. In the end, practicing compassion towards oneself and others is an ongoing process. It is not something that can be achieved once and for all, but a way of being in the world that we must continually cultivate and nurture. It requires patience, humility, and a willingness to open our hearts to the suffering of others. But in doing so, we can create a more compassionate and connected world for ourselves and future generations.
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