In life, compassion is always present around us through our daily activities. It not only helps people to unite and come closer, but also helps to improve this society. Let’s delve deeper into the Buddhist object”What is compassion?, In the post below!
I. What is compassion?
Compassion is also understood in many different meanings, such as compassion, benevolence, compassion, etc. All these concepts are considered to have an emotional level which is present in every human being. When we have compassion, we are more likely to understand and empathize with others’ pain or distress. In other words, compassion involves emotion, which is a precursor to empathy.
Compassion is the feeling of understanding the pain of others, sympathizing with the unfortunate living without any other purpose. It is a rational emotion in nature, which is considered to be an unconscious human action.
It’s easy for people to generate painful feelings when they look at situations they’ve been through or put themselves in the shoes of others to feel their pain. Compassion would be the basis for generating many other emotions such as empathy, sympathy, forgiveness… all of which arise from the desire to soothe the suffering of another.
People with compassion come from wisdom and a kind heart. This quality often leads to good deeds, helping the world, helping others, because it allows us to feel the suffering of others, causing in us pity, compassion and negative feelings for someone. motivation to reduce.
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Second. elements of compassion
Compassion is a feeling of understanding and sympathy for the pain of others
1. Be kind to yourself
Being kind to yourself also includes accepting yourself, both your good and your bad sides, and thus, making yourself better. Human beings are not born perfect, we may have made mistakes in the past, we may not be great in most areas. However, it becomes completely normal if you love yourself.
2. Know that you are not alone in your fight
Maybe you’re having a hard time loving your body or you’re a young person who hasn’t yet decided on the direction of your career path. In addition to disappointments, you also have a sense of hopelessness every time you make a mistake or suffer these hardships.
However, human beings are imperfect beings and they have to suffer in some way or the other. Rest assured that you are not alone, what you are going through is the experience of many others.
3. Mindfulness
We humans cannot deny the negative emotions as well as the difficulties that we are facing. However, the more you deny your feelings, the stronger those feelings become. Like when you are sad and someone comforts you by saying, “Stop being sad” or “Be happy”…
Although they don’t mean it badly, emotions are not switches that can be turned on and off at any moment. Instead, we need to accept our feelings without judging them as right or wrong. Put yourself in the position of an “observer” to look at your feelings and thoughts instead of trying to fight them.
Third. Why do people need compassion?
Compassion will make life happier for them and those around them
As the Dalai Lama once said, “If you want to be happy, be kind. If you want to be happy yourself, be kind.”
Indeed, people living in the world need compassion, because the nature of compassion is a kind of feeling that is given without expecting anything in return. If we receive this in return, we will receive peace of mind or other interesting perspectives on life and the people around us.
Because in the present, there are always people who are still suffering a lot, only then can we appreciate life and appreciate what we have.
Compassionate people make life happy for themselves and the people around them. Compassion produces many works of art full of humanity, leader full of compassion will make his people enjoy humanistic policies, focus on human development, social security. Development oriented.
Not only this, compassion also exists between people and animals or the nature of the country. So, we can cry when a pet is lost, mourn when forests burn, and strive to protect animals and wild nature every day.
Compassion creates a balance for the development of the whole society. It also means that when there is enough forgiveness, empathy and understanding, it inspires people to be more loving, better and happier.
IV. benefits of self-compassion
A growing number of studies point to the positive effects of self-compassion on psychological well-being. A study involving 46 female managers in Brazil found that self-compassion can effectively reduce symptoms of stress and depression, as well as being more empathetic to those around you.
In another Australian study involving 2448 adolescents, compassion was able to heal low self-esteem issues in children, reducing negative psychological effects very effectively.
In short, lack of confidence is not a good thing. However, this can be limiting if you practice empathy and compassion towards yourself. Also, for those who find it difficult, exhausting, self-compassion can be a way to help improve your mental health.
IV. Compassion – the thread that connects everyone in society
Human love will generate empathy and love for others, placing the common good above our own. When you know how to live for community, you will find your life more meaningful and happy.
Compassion helps us develop altruism and a peaceful, happy life
1. Compassion Makes Us Special
In order to survive and evolve, human beings have to pursue three basic goals which are food, defense and reproduction. These three goals are created by the constraints of hunger, defense, and reproductive responsibility. Unlike other animals, humans do not have any claws, fangs, wings, feathers or armor to protect their bodies.
However, the strength of man lies in unity. To be able to become united, to be ready to support and help each other, it is compassion and empathy that help people separate from the wild world of animals.
Caring for babies builds human compassion. The position of the baby at birth is usually soft, completely defenseless, unable to eat or move on its own, and the baby’s ability to communicate and interact is also very limited.
Unlike the young of other animals, the young cannot cling to their mother, but have to be held. Parents cultivate compassion by lovingly protecting and caring for their children.
Self-interest is not allowed in small tribes, all members have to live by taking care of each other, supporting each other and taking care of the children. It is this unity that gives strength to everyone in the tribe.
2. Meaning of compassion
The seed of compassion must always be cultivated and cared for to grow and bear fruit. Some scientists also believe that compassion increases your chances of successfully passing your genetic code to future generations.
In addition to meaning natural instincts, 5 core principles including: Gratitude, Love, Acceptance, Meaning and Forgiveness will give you a deeper insight into human behavior. These principles transcend the barriers of contemporary society such as gender, class, race, generation or nation.
Just as true gratitude doesn’t expect anything in return, kindness doesn’t come with any expectation of return. Due to this specialty, we ourselves will be able to lead a peaceful and happy life.
V. How to practice compassion?
Being kind, empathetic, loving yourself and helping others helps you practice compassion.
We always try to be kind, understanding, loving and helpful to others, especially those we love. However, we also need to learn to love ourselves and realize our worth.
Strive to treat yourself the way you treat the people you care for and love. Pay attention to your reactions when you do something wrong, accept your feelings, listen and understand it every day, from there you will understand and love yourself more.
In addition, you can practice journaling every day, recording your difficulties and negative feelings. Feel but don’t rush to judge or criticize them, then try to write down what you say to yourself in the most gentle way possible.
Practicing compassion is an ongoing process, so don’t be too hasty and hard on yourself. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them, slowly you will feel your improvement.
It can be said that compassion brings a sense of empathy, which in turn creates peace of mind, helps people to reduce suffering and lead a better life. Buddhist objects Hope the above information will help you to lead a meaningful and happy life.
Wish you Amitabh Buddha!