#cpmpassion

Namaste

'It is important to see compassion as a practice. Sometimes we may feel it, sometimes not. At times the suffering we encounter may seem too much and we may need to back off, close off a little, to prevent being overwhelmed. At such times we need to create a space where we can regain our strength and balance. From a place of renewed strength, we can then open up once again. As with loving-kindness, the more we practice compassion, the stronger it becomes in our lives.

There is no hierarchy of compassionate action. Based on our interests, skills, and what truly moves us, we can find our own way, helping to alleviate suffering in whatever way we can. If we let in all the parts of ourselves and our world, the whole world becomes a field of compassionate action.

The Dalai Lama goes to the heart of things in the most simple and down-to-earth way. "We are visitors on this planet," he has said. "We are here for ninety, one hundred years at most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful with our lives. Try to be at peace with yourself and help others to share that peace. If you contribute to other people's happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning in life.

It is very simple. We are here for a very short time. Can we try to do something good with our lives? Can we develop an inner peace and share that inner peace with others? When we contribute to other people's happiness, we find the true meaning and true goal of life. This is our task. This is our challenge.'