Yes, pointing to this can get in the way of their whole Bodhisattva dream.
I'd go as far to say compassion is a side effect/integral aspect of
awakening. I'd say the same of equanimity. All aspects of this
realization. In other words, it's not what someone thinks it is.
Compassion is not limited to some personal sense of caring for others,
or "do gooder" efforts, or altruism. These may arise in/as compassionate
awareness, or in delusional self-serving ways. The altruism bit being
perhaps the point that raises the most ire as there is much confusion,
much attachment to such "high" ideals. It should be clear though that
altruism has an agenda, it has goals. It sees the world in terms of
givers and takers, seeking to change this for some specific reason (good
intentions and all that business) - which is not selfless beyond their
imagination.
The short version. Caring arises for/in response to. Compassion always
with/as.
When Buddha/Dharma/Sangha are seen as one, this is realized as
Enlightenment/Equanimity/Compassion - aspects of realization/awakening.
Nothing changes, we simply realize (continually) this has never not
been so. Attaining nothing, thus everything.
K
On 6/11/2012 10:02 PM, Joe wrote:
Hi, Kris,
I tell you, it's good to have this point of agreement. I cannot tell
you how it's surprised me at times when I made this point in sangha
discussions at several zendos over four decades, just in passing, and
have been jumped on by irate newcomers, or folks who have done a lot
of "reading". Teachers, whether male or female who were doing the
moderating, usually backed me up, but of course tried also to keep the
complainers in the fold. I'm glad no one has jumped down my throat
here yet on this point! If it happens, I'll let it go, but will
appreciate that there are at least two of us here who see it this way.
Really, as many as "two"? haha
We must urge others not to "fake it", though. Danger!
Practice, practice, practice!, instead.
(don't even THINK about compassion). ;-)
Strong practice,
--Joe
> Kris quoted Joe, and wrote:
>> (Another thing, sometimes noted: Compassion is not necessarily
>> something you FEEL, but it simply operates; and, to say the least, it
>> is not always "sweetness-and-light").
> Indeed!
