Compassion

1
Compassion

• He who is incapable of hatred toward any being,
  who is kind and compassionate, free from
  selfishness, such a devotee of Mine is My
  beloved.
• -Bhagavad-Gita 1213-14

2
What is Compassion?

• Understanding and caring about someone who is in
  trouble.
• Being kind and caring because a person really
  matters to you.
• It is forgiving someone who hurt you because you
  understand why that person hurt you and you care
  more about that person than your own hurt.
• It is feeling the pain of someone who is in
  trouble even if you do not know that person.

3
Why Practice Compassion?

• People who are hurt or in trouble feel alone.
• Being compassionate tells a person that they are
  not alone.
• It gives you a good feeling and makes you useful.
• Without compassion the world is a hard and lonely
  place.
• With compassion we are all connected and hard
  times are much easier to weather.

4
How Do You Practice Compassion?

• Notice when someone looks sad (it can be a person
  or an animal)
• Go up to that person and show that you care by
• Sitting close by, letting him know that you are
  there and that he is not alone
• Listening if they want to
• Sharing your own experience if you have had a
  similar one
• Understanding and forgiving you if he hurt you
  without meaning to
• Doing what you can to help - it might just be
  praying for him

5
Signs of Success

• You are practicing compassion when you
• Notice when someone is hurting or needs a friend
• Care enough about her to stop what you are doing
  and let her know you care
• Listen to her and try very hard to understand
• Forgive her when she hurts you and give her
  another chance to be a friend instead of hurting
  her back
• Help people and animals in need

6
You Might Need More Practice if You Find Yourself

• Do not notice when you or the people or animals
  around you are sad or having trouble
• Think what you are doing is more important than
  what is happening to others
• Dont stop to listen or show you care
• Get bored or inattentive when others talk to you
• Judge or criticize others and yourself

7
Affirmation

I have compassion. I notice when someone needs
attention and freely offer my help.