Without compassion and empathy, there is only disorder

Compassion – Source: tieonline.com

In Tibetan Buddhism, compassion for all sentient beings, including for those with whom you differ, is a keystone on the pathway to true enlightenment. This same mantra is expressed in Christianity through the commandment to “love thy neighbor.” Nowhere does the commandment nor the mantra give one latitude for interpretation. It is a plain and simple task. The problem is, too many of us, including me, prefer to put qualifications on our compassion, empathy, or love. Instead of globally caring for all, we decide to pick and choose.

When we stray from compassion and empathy for others, disorder, chaos, disdain, and hate build up within society. Eventually, this leads to fractures that divide and separate us from each other and from achieving all that we are capable of if we were working in unison. History is littered with the horrific results from fractured societies including wars, concentration camps, mass graves, detention centers, family separations, lynchings, gas chambers, etc. Not a pretty picture.

Fractured lines – Source: linkedin.com

Despite what we are told by talking heads in the mass media and elsewhere, no single sentient being on Earth is any less important than any other being.  Unfortunately, when we lack empathy and compassion, the very characteristics that define us are often used as a source to create fear and sow division. It may be our appearance, our beliefs, our employment status, our love, our wealth, our residency, our politics, our age, our abilities, etc. Remember, compassion is and must always be universal…even for those we dislike. Otherwise, we begin to creep back down that dangerous road of division.

Any honest person would describe the past three months in the United States as chaotic. Change, in its very essence can cause uncertainty. “Fear of the unknown”, so to speak. But within change is the question of whether the changes are justified and whether they have included an inkling of compassion or empathy within them? 

Given the rhetoric and actions revealed to date by those orchestrating these vast changes, it is clear that neither compassion nor empathy played a role in these decisions…unless, perhaps, you are rich and powerful. As a result, fear, chaos, and disorder have been instilled in the greater population. And fear is a very dangerous weapon in the hands of those whose intent is to sow disorder and discord.

How the next few years play out is anybody’s guess. One thing is for sure, though. If compassion and empathy are not a part of the equation, fear, chaos, and disorder will inevitably grow — potentially to the point where it fully engulfs us in a torrent of despair and suffering.

To avoid such a scenario, we must work tirelessly to recapture the very best of ourselves by employing compassion and empathy throughout our daily lives. We must demonstrate compassion and empathy by our actions, not by just preaching it. Furthermore, we must renounce and reject those who sow division in clearly articulated, peaceful, and meaningful ways.

Celebrating German reunification – Source: Deutschland.de

Being universally compassionate is not easy. I struggle with it all the time myself, especially when responding to those who I stridently disagree. But, taking the initial steps identified above can help reassert compassion and empathy back into the public conversation where it is often sorely missing. By doing so, we can begin the task of altering the nation’s course away from further disorder and division. And such a reversal would be wonderful and welcome change to see take place.

Peace!