Compassion

A strange word.

To most people, compassion is a sense of shared suffering. It is sensing and feeling of pain that is not yours- Sometimes it exhibits itself as action in the form of altruism.

However, spiritual compassion is a different beast. Sometimes it can be defined as a form of love. Other times is a sign of pity that leads to an action.

In Buddhist terms compassion is defined as a cold, non-feeling realization that since all things are connected, your awareness should be extended to all things in the universe. Compassion to a Buddhist is an emitting a sense of peace outward to the universe. Action is not necessary.

Does compassion have a timetable? Does it always require action? Is guilt or fear the motivation behind compassion?

If that is true, if the motivation comes from a place of darkness, of fear of loss- is it still a worthy feeling?

Now some people say that you can't judge feelings in terms of worth. That they just are- there is no value system that can be attached. However, when looking at feelings of hate and of fear, I tend to think that they are less just than those of love.

If compassion comes from a place of love and awareness, is it worth more value than when it comes from a place of fear of loss or guilt?

Is compassion a luxury? Is it something that is outside the things we need to survive as a individual?

No answers-