Religions may differ in their intrinsic philosophy but all religions profess the same message – a human being should become compassionate, kind and loving. The prayer of a Muslim mentions two words, Rahim and Rahman; here there is a definite mention of compassion and mercy. If all humans could demonstrate these two qualities to everyone, there is no greater way to get closer to God and to Manav Ekta.
The Buddhists say compassion is the essence of Nirvana. I believe there is only one Self manifesting as you and I—if I serve you and others, I serve myself; If I hurt you or others, I hurt myself. It’s important to watch our mind, to watch our thoughts, to watch what happens around us. Such constant awareness leads to a greater understanding, which is indeed the start of compassion. The virtue of showing compassion to all living beings is central to all faiths of the earth.
In the early days of establishing the Belur Math, Swami Vivekananda’s co-monks expressed their displeasure about one of the Math’s main dictums of serving the poor. Swamiji was annoyed and, as he prepared to leave the Math forever, he spoke to the monks about Sri Ramakrishna’s pilgrimage to Deogarh. The town of Deogarh was undergoing a severe famine and the people were dying from hunger. Sri Ramakrishna, seeing the plight of the villagers, was deeply anguished and refused to leave until a supply of rations was organised for their survival. Sri Ramakrishna ate only after the villagers were fed. Hearing this story, the monks immediately apologised and requested Swami Vivekananda to continue in his leadership role at Belur Math.
Religions may differ in their intrinsic philosophy but all religions profess the same message – a human being should become compassionate, kind and loving. The prayer of a Muslim mentions two words, Rahim and Rahman; here there is a definite mention of compassion and mercy. If all humans could demonstrate these two qualities to everyone, there is no greater way to get closer to God and to Manav Ekta.
There is a story related to Prophet Muhammad who was leaving to offer prayers on Ramadan day. He was a little far away from the mosque he frequented and he was getting late. It is usual for followers of Islam to buy new clothes for children on this auspicious occasion. On the way to the mosque, the Prophet met an orphan child wearing tattered clothes. He asked the child if he had any new clothes for the occasion. Understanding his plight, he took the child with him, bought new cloth and had them stitched, thus making the child happy. All the while, his followers kept reminding that he was getting late for the prayers. The Prophet gently told his followers that what he did for the child in itself is the greatest prayer and, even if his prayer got a little late, it was not of greater importance than this act of compassion.
Hundred years ago, Sree Narayana Guru, sadhu and social reformer from Kerala, said, “Whatever be the religion, man should develop goodness.” While extending one’s compassion unto others, forget not oneself since, more often than not, we are unkind to our own selves than to anyone else.
Compassion brings us together and, let me remind you, its practice involves a reflective attitude: Do to others what you would have them do to you.
