"Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. As the source both of inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species." (The Dalai Lama)
In Buddhist teachings compassion is defined as the heart that trembles in the face of suffering. Many spiritual traditions and world religions regard compassion as one of the highest values. Compassion, originating from the Latin word, ‘compati’, literally means to suffer with. It is a deep concern and awareness for the suffering of others. Compassion when witnessing another’s suffering motivates a consequent desire to help.
Compassion is “…a multidimensional process comprised of four key components: (1) an awareness of suffering (cognitive/empathic awareness), 2) sympathetic concern related to being emotionally moved by suffering (affective component), (3) a wish to see the relief of that suffering (intention), and (4) a responsiveness or readiness to help relieve that suffering (motivational).” (2) Cognitive neuroscience has discovered the presence of mirror neurons in the human brain which enable us to mutually recognize the internal experiences of others. Mirror neurons are one of the main drivers of empathy. Empathy refers to cognitive and emotional responsiveness to the observed experiences of another. We may choose or fail to act on empathy. Empathy increases the likelihood of showing compassion and tolerance for others and inspires helping behaviour. Compassion is fundamental to our shared humanity, an “I - Thou” relationship with other individuals, instead of the ‘othering’ that may occur in conflictual situations.
Empathy and compassion enable us to follow the ‘Golden Rule’, treating others as we would like to be treated - it helps to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Compassionate response to the other will decrease conflict. As Jung said “Where love stops, power begins and violence, and terror…” (3)
"When we use love and compassion as our guiding principles, we can create, develop, and implement systems of change that are beneficial to all sentient beings and to the environment." (Joaquin Phoenix). Please join us this month as we explore the theme of ‘Compassion for humanity’. Our upcoming talk tomorrow evening, Wednesday, 2 March at 19:30 “Even enemies can show respect:” Prospects for Golden Rule living in South Africa”
Written for @jungsouthnerafrica
References: (1) His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 'The little book of Buddhism' Kalachakranet.org http://www.gnostic.org/tree_1/09_love/09_love_5.htm (2) Jazaieri, H., Jinpa, G. T., McGonigal, K., Rosenberg, E. L., Finkelstein, J. Simon-Thomas, E., Cullen, M., Doty, J. R., Gross, J. J., Goldin, P. R. (2012). Enhancing compassion: A randomized controlled trial of a compassion cultivation training program. J Happiness Stud. doi: 10.1007/s10902-012-9373-z (3) Carl Gustav Jung (2013). “The Undiscovered Self”, p.74, Routledge. (4) Joaquin Phoenix - Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in “Joker” at the 92nd Oscars in 2020.
Image credit: (1) Unknown
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