*COMPASSION/+*6
I used to contemplate emptiness because it inspired me to seek the cessation of suffering, thinking that once I obtained cessation I would be able to remain in a blissful state for a long time. Now I have a stronger admiration and aspiration for compassion and tolerance that come with the awakening mind. The union of compassion and emptiness is something quite unique, but you can bring about an inner experience of it if you make the effort. (Dalai Lama, p49)
The root meaning of "compassion" is "to know suffering together". (Transcend, p178)
Compassion (in Chinese) combines both heart and mind, the source of all thought, feeling, and motivation. The Way of Love overcomes apathy, fear, defensiveness, and aggression. (Tao Peace, p201)
Compassion was the chief religious duty and the hallmark of all true spiritually. Schindler (in Schindler's List) risked his own neck to rescue people deemed unworthy of life by his society and peers. (Beginning, p43)
Pity, feeling, consideration, love, putting unconditional love in action according to Christ's teachings and by being unafraid. (Fr. Bill, SRC 5/23/96)