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Soul Sustenance 22-10-2012
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Discovering Inner Compassion (Kindness) – Part 2
To really understand compassion, we have to experience it for ourselves. We can
observe and admire others; we can even acknowledge that we have behaved compassionately
on some occasions, but how do we develop the virtue of compassion inside us? If we
can find a place of inner silence where we can slow down our thoughts and touch
our deepest nature, we will discover that it is peaceful and compassionate. This
is the source of our compassion and the more we experience it the more it will become
part of our actions. Meditation reminds us that we are compassionate at
our core.
Most people can remember a compassionate act. It may be an everyday situation or
something that stands out as very special. Examples may be sitting holding the hand
of a distressed relative or friend, or simply smiling and being positive. Reflecting
on such acts helps us to identify the qualities of compassion that a person may
express, such as patience, tolerance, generosity and calmness. By thinking about
acts of compassion and the people that perform them, we can begin to get a sense
of what compassion means and, with further reflection, how we have shown these same
qualities ourselves.
We all use words in different ways to describe how we feel and what we mean, and
the meaning can change in different settings. We need to come to some understanding
of the word compassion, redefining it for ourselves. Compassion can mean
simply kindness; it can mean patience, generosity, respect and understanding. Compassion
is unconditional love.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 22-10-2012
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The one who sacrifices name and fame is the one who gets recognition.
Expression: When we make a positive contribution we usually want to get recognition
for it. We may not always say it in words but there is always an expectation that
others should recognize our contribution.
Experience: We need to make sure that we enjoy whatever we do. Since the
task itself becomes enjoyable for us, we don't anymore expect recognition. The more
we become free from expectations the more we get love from others and recognition
too.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris