Charter For Compassion

[1a2bcio8]

That's fair enough if you're not interested. From my position though, there's an irony in the sense that when we are selfish, and in as much as that refers to our desire to feel good/happy, we could actualy be a lot more happy if we were selfless and considered others more. My personal experience certainly suggests so, for myself at the very least. But I think it's true that some things are inherent to human beings and that happiness is most likely achieved and achieved to the greatest extent through compassion, love, etc. I believe we are only a part of what we could be and if we could be more than we currently are, we would all appreciate that existence so much more than we currently do. This is a type of psychological truth, that refers to many people's experiences rather than some sort of wishful thinking.

Apathy is easy to adopt and I experience is regularly. Again, it relates to ill mental health when that apathy refers to our survival. What would we say of a deer that strolls upto a lion, not really bothering to care about the consequences? Perhaps that isn't the best of analogy but it indicates something of a truth I think. Our compassion and love of ourselves and to others are all tied upto the various issues that we call problems in the world today. But again, it is a choice and I wouldn't ever tell you to be differently. It would be rather pointless in the sense that compassion and love can only come from you, and not through you from somebody else.

[hI-OOPS-CAPS]

i think this thread could be called 'the buddhism thread.' i read a book on it and its quite impressive. it focuses on eliminating suffering which, well in my opinion, is what capitalism is increasing sadly ..

being selfless and compassionate is the heart of buddhism and its like that article on that website took a chuck from buddhist literature.

[Phatmike]

being selfless and compassionate is the heart of Buddhism

..and is also at the heart of most if not all world religions as well - as the charter describes.

An important thing I think to remember is that the term 'religious' has connotations of belonging to a large secular religion: Whilst I might describe myself as a 'religious' person, it certainly doesn't mean that I conform to the beliefs of any one particular religion, but upon my own beliefs and understandings, and taking ideologies, principles and beliefs from many world religions; Buddhism, Christianity, Jainism and the Rastafari movement to name just a few!

What it's saying is that whilst the principles outlined in the charter can apply to any member of any secular religion, any person can take note (I think even reading it alone will start to develop awareness of it's power), and apply them to their own lives. As Ben said there is a path upon which anyone can live their lives far beyond what most people know and understand, and if people can even just acknowledge this, then more and more people will begin to live their lives in a more compassionate, loving and fulfilling way.

Ps. Ben; brilliantly written posts above, couldn't agree with you more mate.