Charter for Compassion
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community. - from the Charter for Compassion
Someone actually printed out the Charter for Compassion and handed it to my partner, who in turn, brought it to me and I feel compelled to share it with as broad an audience as possible. While we believe gratitude is a cornerstone of true, meaningful happiness and co-existence, it is deeply related to compassion, which is an outward expression of our true humanity. It is easy to overlook how we actually behave with regard to compassion. We may say “of course, I’m a compassionate human being.” But read the charter, watch the videos… do we always? and with everyone? Even those we feel have wronged us or pose a threat to us? In our fear or anger can we honestly think, speak and act compassionately towards others? Do we even know what that means in most cases?
I have a friend who would say she is not religious or spiritual, but her life’s work is rooted in compassion for those who desperately need it. Through her life, I can see that compassion is an invisible truth that gently guides her to do the best she can do - in a direction the entire world truly needs now in order to prosper for future generations.
Consider reading the charter and signing it, but most importantly, ask yourself on a daily basis, am I being compassionate towards everyone? What can I do to improve? And know that there is always a way.
Visit the community area of the Charter for Compassion to see individual stories and contribute your own.
Learn more about Karen Armstrong, the founder and check out her new book The Case for God
