WHENEVER
NEGATIVITY, MISUNDERSTANDING, CONFUSION,
HEAVINESS, OR ANY DISLIKE
OBSESSES YOU, BRING IN COMPASSION
AND YOU WILL SEE THAT
YOUR HEART AND MIND RELAX AND SOFTEN.
A third point is: what are the counter-balancing factors that help the mind
to overcome those obstacles or mitigate them? One could say: sit down, relax,
meditate, let the tensions subside. Or: don’t be negative and avoid situations
that create tension. Or: use auto-reflection with your mind so you will not
be affected; let it go. Each of these is correct. But in a tangible way, on
the path of virtue, what would be the counter-balance of tensions? This may
not sound technically like a path but it can be made a path. That word is compassion. |
Compassion is one of the two main forces toward Enlightenment. It makes you conscious, receptive, settled and relaxed. Compassion you can cultivate by practice, self-suggestion, by making yourself understand how valuable it is. It includes forgiveness, patience, harmlessness, charity, let go—everything. What is the second force which substantiates compassion and together makes you fit for Enlightenment? This force you cannot study, regulate, practice or cultivate, but it ensues automatically after compassion is achieved. That force is wisdom. These are not new words but let us understand them in a different way. When you are focused and one-pointed, wisdom naturally follows; the understanding or insight of a person or situation or problem follows. It gives you that revelation. Together compassion and wisdom lead to Enlightenment. What further does compassion do? It makes you free from vulnerability to any disturbance, any situation, collective or individual. Compassion has never been preached as a rationalization or therapy; it has always been preached as a virtue. But it is very scientific and therapeutic for the mind. It not only gives you peace and releases you from tension; it settles your nervous system and makes one-pointedness natural. Then wisdom follows. |