Compassion

This I gathered from a talk about compassion. Compassion is not the same as sympathy and empathy. Sympathy is like feeling sorry or taking pity on a person who suffers and most likely with the expression "Oh poor thing". Empathy is feeling the pain the person is experiencing, "I feel with you".

Compassion on the other hand not only shares the afflicted person's feelings but involves love and a deeper understanding of the underlying problem. Out of deep concern, compassion takes on an active desire to alleviate the suffering. It may also involve pointing out to the person the cause of his pain. It may not be a pleasant task and could very well invite not only resistance but perhaps hostility from the person who is told for example that the root of his pain may arise from his unwise behaviour or perception. Compassion is speaking the truth with love. It may create hurt before healing takes place.

I picture the archetypes of compassion, Kuan Yin, Mother Mary or Jesus looking down at people  praying at their feet in despair. They understand our pain and the underlying truth. They know that through the hurt we will attain more wisdom about life and deliverance. They quietly help us to gain strength, to catch glimpses of the truth and to attain peace.