What is the point of contemplating compassion?
As our technology becomes more sophisticated, we sometimes seem to think that our emotional responses need to be more sophisticated as well. But what seems best is simple, direct feeling that is not padded with of logic or twisted concepts, such as “Maybe they deserved it,” or “I’m glad it’s not me,” or “They should have known better.” These contorted responses reflect poorly on our own state of mind. If compassion feels unnatural, it’s probably because we’re still thinking of ourselves. We want the suffering to go away because it scares us, or it causes us personal pain. According to the Buddhist teachings, concern and compassion for the welfare of others is the source of our own happiness. When we try to distance ourselves from the pain or the joy of others, we are distancing ourselves from our own happiness. For genuine joy lies in caring for the welfare of others—having direct compassion when others have difficulty and delight when others are doing well. Excerpt from “Contemplating
