If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete Siddhartha Gautama
A Young disciple came to ask his master:
“Master, what is compassion?”
The Master explained:“An old man was begging at the corner of a busy street. First an old lady passed by him and infuriated by the beggar poverty gave him a gold coin.
Then a merchant noticing that a small group of men were talking about him gave 5 gold coins to the beggar, and quickly left while walking with his head held high and having a haughty smile.
Then, later, a boy who went to collect some flowers for his mom passed by the beggar; smiled to him and gave him a flower. ”
The master asked his disciple:
“Which one of them do you think felt the most compassion toward the beggar?”“The merchant did”, replied the boy.
The master, smiling, continued.
“The merchant acted out of pride, the old lady acted out of pity; however the boy felt real compassion. Pity has its roots in fear, and a sense of arrogance and condescension, sometimes even a smug feeling of “I’m glad it’s not me.”
To train in compassion, then, is to know all beings are the same and suffer in similar ways, to honor all those who suffer, and to know you are neither separate from nor superior to anyone.”
(Author unknown)
When we want others to change, or want them to see our point of view, we can forget to see their pain, their past and their inability to move through their problems. Compassion allows us to forgive and accept people as they are.
When we love people exactly as they are, we will be surprised how quickly they transform into the best version of themselves. When someone feels seen and appreciated for who they are without expectations, one is instantly empowered. This is compassion.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Great explanation, Karen 😀
Thankyou Irene 💕
Compassion is a true gift. Thanks for the reminders Karen.
It is Brad, we can each make a difference. 🙏🏻 Thanks
Oh, such a simple lesson but so hard at the same time:).
I agree, in fact so many people cannot accept others as they are. It’s a life long practice. Thanks Kristine 💚
Compassion is the biggest gift we can give ourselves as well as to others. 💕
Lovely post Karen.
💐
It is a huge gift. Thankyou Val 💕
Karen, A good example of compassion.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is another. A man found on the road had been beaten and robbed by thieves. A priest passed by and did not stop to help. But, a Samaritan did. He brought the injured man to an inn and paid the innkeeper to care for the injured stranger. And on his return would pay him further for any extra costs.
The philosophy of the thieves was: whatever is yours is mine.
The philosophy of the priest was: whatever is mine is mine.
The philosophy of the Samaritan was: whatever is mine is yours.
In sacrifice is compassion found.
How much greater then is Christ’s compassion in comparison to the good Samaritan?
-Alan
To know deeply, we are equal and one, is only from healing ourselves and finding compassion within ourselves. The Samaritan and Jesus are beautiful examples of compassion. May we all find this gift within and share it with each other. Thankyou Alan 🙏🏻
Karen this is spot on, I use to wonder why my father time and time again helped others in need, he had no real money to give them but helped in other ways. As I grew older I felt people took advantage of his kindness and said so. He was not bothered by it and said he hoped if I/ we were ever in such circumstances that someone would be there for us too. Compassion, the word will always remind me of my dad. xxxxx When he left this earth we found a whole suit case full of thank you notes, his legacy to us, no matter how our life is turning out to always show compassion to others.
Your Dad sounds like a beautiful compassionate Man Kath! Having an open heart like your Dad, is a gift and when we understand this is within us all, we receive abundance and love and want to share this with everyone 💕💕
Thanks for the great reminder, Karen! Compassion is the child of unconditional love ❤
So true Helen. Thankyou 💕
When we see others without expectations and see them for who they are, we are empowered too, I think.
Thank you for your compassion, Karen.
Very true Mary. It works both ways 💚 Thankyou also 🙏🏻
You are Nominated for Versatile Blogger Award…. check it here https://mlscom.wordpress.com/2017/02/19/2475/
Nice post..🙂🤗
Thankyou 😀💕