The Lazy Yogi

What is compassion?

Many people mistake compassion for feelings like kindness and love. Compassion definitely contains those qualities but it is more than that. Compassion is scary at first. 

It cuts through the identities and illusions we have to expose a stark naked reality. Compassion is the love that arises when we rejoice and lament the curiosity of our shared existence. 

Compassion is an experiencing that can only be had when we recognize our aloneness and interconnectedness. It is a bittersweet paradox. 

Compassion is opening your heart to the rawness of whatever emotion the moment presents. Not running, not rationalizing, not reacting, but embracing despite the pain. Once you pass through the gateway of the pain, the tender heart, you come to a place of unbearable love. 

I am decidedly a novice on this path. The practices of tonglen and the wisdom of tibetan buddhism are invaluable. If you wish to live in this world and remain in touch but out of reach, I consider this a peerless method. 

First you must be willing to offer compassion to yourself and then to others as well. 

Namaste, sangha. Much love.

PS. This is a day late. Today’s challenge will be posted later this evening, I apologize for any inconvenience.