What happened to compassion?
Currently, we are witnessing protests all across the country and other parts of the world, against the cruel and inhumane treatment of black people in the USA. This is the culminating result of generations of racism expressed in lack of respect, empathy, and sympathy. The protests have sparked a worldwide conversation about racial injustices and systemic racism. People are sharing educational resources and even their own experiences with others to explain how much the black community has had to endure since the end of slavery.
While this is absolutely a step in the right direction, there are still many people opposing these sentiments and stating that,
“All lives matter.”
There are also people who have stated that,
“Yes, it is wrong that the black community is suffering. However, there is no need to go overboard by protesting, kneeling, destroying property, etc.”
We must understand that society can only move towards progress when everyone embraces universal values. All lives definitely do matter, however by saying this repeatedly when someone mentions that black lives matter, you are straying from the issue at hand in a disrespectful manner by not accepting the plain truth. That black lives matter and they are currently not receiving the justice that they deserve. Saying “All lives matter” is an attempt to divert focus from the issue and label it as unworthy or unimportant. It also reflects our own vices, as we continue to bring up our own problems to counter other people’s concerns.
As many politicians, authors, celebrities, and influencers have mentioned, it is not enough to be not racist.
We must be anti-racist.
The black community’s human rights and constitutional rights are constantly being trampled on, therefore, it is our duty to stand together and condemn racism.
Now, how do we cross the bridge towards equality? Isn’t it bizarre that we are actually debating why we should be treated equally? We have gotten so caught up with our own lives, our own progress, that we turn away when someone else is in need of help. We judge others based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc., and maintain that we are superior to others in some way. Therefore, other people’s concerns and cries for help become unimportant and insignificant to us.
What happened?
Compassion seems to be missing in our society and in our lives.
Let's bring back compassion into our lives by embracing respect, empathy, and sympathy for each other. Respect, empathy, and sympathy are the gateways to compassion. If you don't have these three, then it will be difficult to have compassion.
1. Respect is the thoughtful consideration and regard for others even if they are different from you.
2. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
3. Sympathy is the expression of pity or sorrow for someone's else's misfortune.
4. COMPASSION - acknowledgement of the suffering of another person accompanied with the wish to help relieve that person's suffering.
To begin with, having respect for someone else who may be different is a vital quality that opens the doors to compassion. I'm not suggesting accepting or respecting any unjust actions, but start by respecting others as valid human beings just like you. With this respect for each other, you will be able to listen to different points of view and experiences, and others will be able to listen to yours as well. If you listen to each other with respect and an open mind that is free from biases, then empathy will arise. Then, sympathy for others will follow and you will find compassion rising in you. You will then find your compassionate self.
Today, there is a struggle to find compassion in some people. In the current fast-paced world of "excessive consumerism", we find ourselves too busy to take care of our own health (physically and psychologically), much less seek the welfare of others. We have become so engrossed in our own goals and desires that we have become insensitive to the pain of others.
It is time to bring back compassion into our lives. Before making snap judgements about others, make a consistent effort to understand and empathize. Realize your own insecurities which may be leading to hatred towards others. Reach over and help others, simply for the reason that all humans deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Rid yourself of the biases and prejudices you may have held for many years and take the time to understand how they have come about and why they stand in the way of making this world a better place.
Make compassion a priority and a practice in your life. If we do this, we will see the world changing right before our eyes from unsympathetic, callous, and cold-hearted to a more caring, loving, and benevolent world. We are all in this together. I must do my part and should you. Let us all make a commitment right now to be compassionate every day in some way, and welcome a happy, peaceful, and inclusive world.
Om ShantiH ShantiH ShantiH.
-Sri Rajaji