One of the great questions that underlies our human existence is: What is the purpose of life? I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment we are born, every person wants happiness. At the very core of our being we simply want contentment. Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, the need for human affection is basic to our existence.
Just as important as the love we receive is to our happiness, so is the love we give. Being genuinely concerned for others, through compassion, gains us the conditions for genuine happiness. Compassion reduces our fears, boosts our confidence, and brings us inner strength.
Definition
The Wikopedia definition is: “Compassion is the emotion we feel in response to the suffering of others that motivates a desire to help.”
Components
There are three components to compassion.
To see clearly into the nature of suffering. To stand strong and recognize we are not separate from the suffering.
To engage in activities that transform suffering.
To not be attached to outcome. Any attachment to outcome distorts our capacity to be fully present to the suffering.
True compassion is not just an emotional response, it is a response of genuine care for the other no matter what the outcome.
Benefits
Compassion gives us energy and a sense of purpose and direction. It makes us feel alive.
Compassion enhances neural integration. It hooks up all parts of the brain.
Compassion enhances our immune system. It actually mobilizes our immunity.
In Buddhism it is said that compassion takes a strong back and a soft front. it takes tremendous strength of the back to uphold yourself in the midst of difficult conditions. That is the mental quality of equanimity. But it also takes a soft front, the capacity to be really open to the world as it is, to have an undefended heart. When you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self-worth and confidence.
Compassion Practices
1. Practice Empathy
Understand how suffering feels; know the pain in as much detail as possible; walk in someone else’s shoes.
2. Reflect on Our Human Commonalities
Look for and recognize what you have in common with others. We are all beings who need food, shelter, love. We crave attention, recognition, and above all, happiness. Reflect on these commonalities.
3. Practice the Relief of Suffering
This is the heart of compassion. Imagine the suffering of a person you know. Now imagine you are the one going through that suffering. Reflect on how much you would like that suffering to end. Reflect on how happy you would be if another person desired your suffering to end and acted on it. Open your heart to that person and reflect on that feeling of alleviating the suffering.
4. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Practice doing something small each day to help end the suffering of others. A smile, a kind word, doing an errand or a chore, or just being there with another person.
5. See Those Who Mistreat You as Teachers
When someone mistreats you, instead of acting in anger, step back. Understand that their action is not about you, but about what they have been through or are going through. Those who give us the most trouble also give us the greatest opportunity to truly learn compassion. Practicing patience, love and understanding with people who mistreat us, can best help us develop a tranquil mind.
The key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. Practice compassion in every thing you do.