Over 2000 years ago, sages around the world arrived at a similar conclusion: we should treat everyone with kindness and concern. Cultivating compassion for all beings, friend and enemy alike, is foundational to spiritual growth.
Here's an unfortunate reality: we will have enemies in this life, or at the very least, people we really don’t like. Despite the obvious difficulties, feeling compassion for our enemies – not just our family and friends – can be a powerful means of growth.
As the Buddha realized over 2500 years ago, all of us experience suffering in various forms. Our suffering causes us to behave in foolish ways, often causing harm to others and ourselves.
However, we can train the mind to break free of mental habits that create suffering. We can learn to see the delusions and misperceptions that cause problems in our lives. But gaining wisdom isn’t enough; we must also cultivate compassion for others to truly be free.
Because how could we ever be truly happy if those around us are suffering? If people are in deep pain, they will behave unskillfully. While we can’t change the behavior of others, extending them compassion fortifies our own resilience and capacity to rise above.
Check out some additional resources and a transcript for this episode here: https://projectindra.org/apotheosis-podcast/episode-34-the-wisdom-of-compassion/
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