Humanness in Humanity
Now and then, we look at someone who might not be going through any obvious problems, yet we feel deep compassion towards them - maybe towards their humanness, their fragility. Everyone human being can be fragile somewhere inside them no matter what facade they display.
Sojong for the month of January 2017 by Anam Thubten
Dear Dharma friends, There is this fundamental wholesomeness that is the basis of who we are as human beings. It often shines in our ordinary lives. We can see others showing it all the time and the world might see that we're showing it too. Kindness, generosity, respect, altruistic deeds that people demonstrate towards each other are just some of the many ways that they can manifest their own authentic wholesomeness without trying to be good so they can feel good. Of course, we also naturally feel good when we do good or are in a wholesome place inside. Compassion is perhaps the most amazing and powerful aspect of our innate goodness. When we see an animal or a human being is suffering, it doesn't take too long for us to feel genuine compassion toward them. Then, we feel what they're going through, and even wish that we can help them to find freedom. Now and then, we look at someone who might not be going through any obvious problems, yet we feel deep compassion towards them - maybe towards their humanness, their fragility. Everyone human being can be fragile somewhere inside them no matter what facade they display. Compassion is defined as a noble feeling that we wish others to be free from suffering. It's one of four divine abodes or Bramaviharas. It's the passion that motivates us to take action in order to help others, ranging from doing something simple to self-sacrifice. The true compassion is not about to suffer over the suffering of others. It seems that some people might get emotionally involved in the sufferings of others. This might be the cause of what they call "compassion fatigue". The antidote of this problem is to open one's heart and to witness the pain of others without taking it personally or trying to eradicate them once and for all. It's good to remember the famous line, "Buddhas cannot remove woes of the world by their hands". This is time that there are lots of difficulties emerging one after the other. Most probably, this is always true. Now they're more palpable with some unexpected events. This is certainly true for many who live in the U.S. On a large scale, the whole world is going through a great deal of uncertainty. One example is ecological crises. There are also big issues that we would like to pay attention to as Dharma practitioners like inequality, violence, war, poverty and so forth. We can open our hearts and hold this troubled world and feel its sorrow with tenderness and aspirations for its better future and brighter path. This will be the first sojong in the year 2017. Let's embrace it with big heart towards humanity as one family. Let's hold the vow to remember to be in touch with our innate goodness so it can transform us from within and to bring out healing everywhere through the power of compassion. We are here in this sangha to support each other's journey, inspiring each other to remember our inner goodness. I also wish you all a year of good health, abundance of joy, and awakening.
With palms joined, Anam Thubten