Angeles Arrien

Compassion

"The thing about all this is that there is no puzzle, no problem, and really no "mystery". All problems are resolved and everything is clear, simply because what matters is clear…everything is emptiness and everything is compassion."

—Thomas Merton, Asian Journal

"Compassion is not a passion; rather a noble disposition of the soul, made ready to receive love, mercy, and other charitable passions. "

—Dante, Il Convito

"Compassion is neither pity nor mercy, but the willingness to offer another , in their suffering, "the gift of our presence…" True love, mature love is not based on emotion or need, but on our willingness to go out of ourselves and to be truly present to another, truly aware of another…compassion is really another word for love."

—Irma Zaleski

 

Monthly Practice:

• Extend an act of compassion three times a day for a month. Notice what and whom elicits your compassion.
• Track where there is clarity in your life---as Thomas Merton says, "what matters is clear  and where there is clarity, there is resolution, emptiness, and compassion."
• Opportunities for practicing or cultivating compassion for self and others, when experiencing; impatience, critical-ness, aversion, and intolerance.
   
   

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