ONE of the greatest virtues to embody on the path to enlightenment is compassion. Compassion is the ability to empathize with others, to act without judgment, and to put yourself in another’s shoes before making a decision or taking a course of action.
To be compassionate is the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. Though this is easily said, it is not always easy to do. Being compassionate requires an awareness of life and an understanding that everything is connected. It is about appreciating everything around you.
When you are able to view life with compassion, you find there is really no “good” or “bad” - everything is simply an exchange of energy. You realize there are no offenders and victims, because if you are not one, then, you are the other.
In life, you are either receiving or you are giving. Living with compassion is knowing when and how much to give or receive so that a balance is maintained. Too much or too little given or received at the wrong time can upset the balance and create havoc.
Compassion for the self is just as vital as compassion for others. It has been seen that cancer patients who treat their disease as a message or experience to reflect upon and learn from, heal better as they work with, rather than against the disease. The compassion within them often forces the offending disease to return to ease and balance because negativity is not provided to feed the disease. Often, a person does not heal until the underlying cause of their imbalance is resolved,
Everything happens for a reason, and if you’re able to feel compassion, you will realize that all people and events, as well as your surroundings contain messages. It is up to you to decide what types of messages you surround yourself with and how you choose to respond to them.
If your life is filled with people who love and support you, you have created this by accepting love and support and giving it back. If you have a physical body of strength and agility, you have put energy into taking care of it, and your body takes care of you in return. If you harbor resentment or jealousy towards others, you will likely find yourself with people who talk behind your back or create obstacles for you.
The feelings within your heart and the emotion that it garners are true responses that guide the mental decisions in your life. To me, true compassion is the ability to see and act with your heart. Interestingly enough, the word “compassion” contains the word “compass.” Like the magnetic needle in a compass that unwaveringly points north, our bodies are compasses in which the heart acts like the magnetic needle, pointing the mind toward compassion. It is important to listen and act accordingly. Life on earth is a lesson in compassion and until you have learned it, you will return to take more courses.
The Chi Art accompanying this article is a vision of Quan Yin - the goddess of compassion, mercy, and benevolence. Symbolized by a female form, she represents the unconditional maternal love, patience, and nurturing that fosters human growth and evolution.
Quan Yin’s compassion is overflowing, depicted by her large golden aura from which many powerful mantras and blessings radiate. The mantras address the spectrum of human conditions, from releasing suffering, karma debts, enhancing mind focus, balancing relationships, releasing conflicts, jealousy, and illness, to promoting career, good judgment, reputation, and passing exams. By placing this visual meditation in your home, Quan Yin imparts to you the importance and power of compassion.
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Master Jenny Liu is an expert in Feng Shui who shares her knowledge through seminars, periodicals, and the internet. Please join Master Liu for a free seminar on “2011 Feng Shui Guidelines” February 26, 2011 at the Rowland Heights Library. For more information please see Liu-FengShui.com or call Jenny at (626) 272-4901.
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