Finding compassion – The Economic Times

The saying, ‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle,’ often attributed to Plato, reminds us that no one is immune to life’s vagaries in a world beset with tears, tragedy, misfortunes and accidents. In the randomness of life, everybody is vulnerable and equally susceptible to hurt and suffering. If someone is mourning the loss of a loved one, the other may be on the brink of financial ruin, and still another may be living in failing health.

We must look at one another with an understanding heart through all our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. That is humanity‘s essence; humanness is acting in a moment of compassion. Realise with a humbling insight that therein lies our redemption and, perhaps, one day, we might need the love and assistance of others.By helping others, we become closer to the creator. It is not merely a physical act but an intellectual greatness that must inform our thoughts and ideas. In understanding the pain and trauma of others, we understand ourselves. We open ourselves, understand our limitations and realise the nobility present in us. Deeply flawed humans but capable of astounding grace, we must resolve our conflicts through a single act or words of compassion.

Ren is a Chinese word that means humanity or humanness; according to a Confucian virtue, ‘wishing to establish oneself, one also seeks to establish others; wishing to be enlarged oneself, one seeks to enlarge others. He who seeks it has already found it.’