This article is partially based on a chapter from Jean-Ives Leloup's book, Compassion and Meditation.
A quote from Mata Amritandanamayi Devi/ Ammachi:
"A one-word solution for almost all the problems in the world is facing today is "Compassion."
****
It can be said that the foundation of Being itself is sheer generosity.
The Gift of Material Things. It is not the quantity we give, but the quality of our giving. If a person is hungry, they need food; if solace, we can offer that.
A true gift is from the heart. Giving material things to those who ask or for a social cause can help us observe ourselves. To what degree are we attached? To what degree is our giving arising from egocentric motives? Does our giving reinforce a sense of separateness, where you are the needy one and I am self-satisfied - entrenched in a stance of being the "giver"?
Such practices offer an opportunity to help us break free of our old ego-habits, which seek security and protection, and evoke fear of letting go. Giving can reopen us to our fundamental nature, enlivening us with the current of generosity.
Leloup:
What is important is to awaken in ourselves a quality of vigilance and presence in the moment we are living - this is the only way to dwell in a state of mind that is capable of just action... It is not enough to follow rules of compassion one has been trained in thinking. 'I have compassion for you, so [I'll give whatever you ask for].' No! It might be better to think: 'I have compassion for you, and do not want to reinforce a [character structure of being dependent demanding or destructive]. There might be something I can do to prevent you from doing harm.'
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
1
