The Path of the Open Heart: Embracing a Happier Life Through Compassionate Practices
Week 2: Compassion (Karuna): Cultivating a genuine concern for the sufferings of others and compassionate action
David Oromith · 86 minutes · recorded June 15, 2023
The session opens with a short breathing meditation to settle the group, before David turns to compassion, karuna, the wish for others to be free of suffering. He names its near enemy, despair, drawing on his own past depression while working on mental health wards, and its far enemy, cruelty, and why compassion must lead to action rather than pity or anger. Questions cover rudeness at work and a wedding venue caught in protests. The session closes with a meditation in which we extend the wish through self, loved one, neutral and difficult person.
As with last week, as an experiment, let's allocate some time daily over the week to engage in meditations and contemplations on compassion, including self-compassion, and compassion for those we love, those we don't know, and those we dislike. The related talks, recordings and additional notes may be of interest to help deepen our understanding. Exploring Resentments, on why we resent others who behave badly, is a useful companion to this week.
Anger and aversion Depression and low mood Self-criticism and shame Work and daily life Compassion (karuna) Loving kindness (metta)