Kamal Ghorui
Compassion lies at the heart of the spiritual path. It is not a luxury, or something reserved for saints – it is the very essence of our humanity. Without compassion, peace within remains out of reach, and without inner peace, peace in the world cannot take root. Compassion is not just a feeling. It is a deep and enduring concern for the suffering of others, paired with a wish to relieve it. Unlike pity, which looks down on others. Compassion arises from recognising our shared experience. Others, like us, wish to be happy and free from pain. This simple truth forms the basis of a compassionate life.
From the moment we are born, we rely on care. As infants, we survive only through kindness and protection. These early experiences leave a deep imprint. Even as adults, we seek love and connection. This tells us that compassion is not foreign to us; it is part of our nature. But like a seed, it must be nurtured through intention and awareness.
Compassion is sometimes confused with attachment or emotional dependence. But true compassion is not biased or limited. It is not just for our family or friends, but for all beings, even those who oppose or harm us. When compassion extends beyond preference, it becomes a source of great strength. It allows us to meet even difficult people with understanding rather than hostility.
Compassion alone is not enough. It must be guided by wisdom. Without understanding, our efforts may be misplaced. Wisdom allows us to see the roots of suffering and respond effectively. In Buddhism, compassion and wisdom are inseparable. Wisdom sees the emptiness of fixed identity; compassion responds to suffering with care. Together, they form a force for transformation.
Compassion begins with ourselves. Many people are unkind to themselves, thinking this will make them stronger. But harshness blocks growth. By learning to treatourselves with patience and acceptance, we become better able to care for others. A useful method is loving-kindness meditation. Begin by wishing happiness to someone close, then expand this wish to neutral people, to those you find difficult, and finally to all beings: May they be happy. May they be free from suffering. Another practice is tonglen – giving and taking. Breathe in the suffering of others and breathe out healing. This helps reduce self-centred habits and open the heart.
Meditation is helpful, but compassion must also be lived. It is expressed through kind speech, patience, and small everyday acts. Sometimes it means saying no or setting boundaries, but always with care, not anger. Compassion also means taking action to protect the vulnerable, care for the environment, and serve others without seeking reward.
Obstacles to compassion include anger, fear, pride, and especially indifference. In today’s world, we are flooded with suffering and bad news. It is easy to become numb. But compassion does not require solving every problem. Sometimes it is enough to stay open, to care sincerely, and to not turn away.
In a world of conflict and division, compassion offers a different way. Lasting peace does not come only from laws or govts. It begins with individuals who develop calm minds and kind hearts. This is why i often say: If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion.
As told to Rajiv Mehrotra
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