Compassion and concern

  

Good Morning Students and a warm welcome to today's class.

The theme for the day is 'Compassion'

As always we begin with a famous quote

'Do good to others not because who they are or what they do in return, but because who you are' - Harold S Kushner

Anyone can live for himself or herself only without an iota of regard for others. He or she who lives this way does not have compassion and kindess as his or her virtue. A life spent only caring about oneself without worring about how others are coming along is completely devoid of any compassion.

Let us understand what compassion is. Simply stated, Compassion is a cluster of many other feelings that power the human spirit. These are kindness, sensitivity, sympathy and empathy. One cannot be compassionate unless he or she is kind and sensitive. Being kind and sensitive makes one see and feel the pain of others. In similar manner one has to be sympathetic before he or she is compassionate. 

We know that there is so much pain and suffering in the world. People go through bad and rough phases in their lives irrespective of who they are or what their nationality is. Circumstances and situations bring pain and misery upon people in the form of destitution, disease and death. Can anyone say that he or she will not be visited by these less fortunate situations ever in their lives? No, never. One may find himself or herself in the thick of such unfortunate situation when he or she least expects it. 

So what is the best way forward? The best way forward is to help alleviate people's pain and misery so that happiness and good times are restored as soon as possible.    

Just as you do not want to be visited by these unfortunate situations, similarly others also do not want to be tied down with them. If you have never been compassionate in your life and have never helped others lead a better life, no one else would come to your rescue in your times of need. Would this be a desirable situation to find yourself in? Definitely not..

Therefore, we must learn to be compassionate and sensitive towards other people's needs, wants, problems, pains, miseries and sufferings. One of the most simple ways to show compassion is to stand by them when misery strikes. You might not contribute expensive resources but just offering good counsel and support might win the day and bring much needed succor in someone's life that he or she will be thankful about.           

Being compassionate does so much good to the person himself. He feels so much good about himself and lifts his spirits too keeping him happy and contended..

Exercise.

Q1. What do you mean by compassion?

Q2. Why should you be compassionate towards others?