How would you define compassion?
Can one be compassionate towards themselves?
2007-07-11 00:30:13 · 10 answers · asked by ★☆✿❀ 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Thanks. We had a University open day today (just for arts and humanities). I got my first taste of Philosophy today, and I thought it was great! This was one of the questions raised. My definition was- 'Compassion is the ability to put oneself before others (living, or not)'
2007-07-11 00:43:00 · update #1
Compassion is putting others before yourself, sharing their pain, and being a support for them.
Compassion for oneself is self pity.
2007-07-11 09:46:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't add much to the answers already given, but there was a book by Ram Dass I read years ago on the subject. From what I remember, and what I've gleaned of you, I think you might enjoy it.
See if your library can get a copy of Compassion in Action: Setting Out on the Path of Service by Ram Dass. He's and interesting thinker.
2007-07-11 11:26:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oooooh i love these types of questions!
I'm going to be brief, but compassion and being compassionate is loving someone else in the someway you love yourself. Empathy is simular to this, but compassion seems to be at a greater degree.
And it certainly seems that it is a divine law to be compassionate to others. I think you would find the every religion follows the ideas of love, compassion, empathy and mercy.
2007-07-11 07:37:54 · answer #3 · answered by carabatzis_2000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness. Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all thingsCompassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment.
2007-07-11 07:42:00 · answer #4 · answered by Alina M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Love, may be defined as being sensitive to, and responsive to, one's wants and needs. Empathy, is the quality of being sensitive to, one's wants and needs. Compassion, is the quality of being responsive to, one's wants and needs.
Focus, is often placed, on those who lack empathy and compassion, i.e., insensitive heartless beings. However, there are many who are drowning in empathy and compassion; to the extent, their own wants and needs go unfulfilled.
Yes, it is possible to be empathetic, and compassionate to yourself; it is possible to love yourself. I am beginning to learn, the quality of one's life depends on it.
2007-07-11 08:45:52 · answer #5 · answered by Larry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course, people often judge themselves very harshly and negatively.
Accept that one cannot love others until you love yourself.
Therein lies compassion.
2007-07-11 07:35:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
compassion is your pain in my heart and no I dont fell compassion toward myself only for others......
2007-07-11 07:34:31 · answer #7 · answered by kashi07 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Willing the good of the other through acts of mercy and charity.
2007-07-11 07:45:16 · answer #8 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kashi07 - "compassion is your pain in my heart"
It canNOT be said better than that.
2007-07-11 07:41:27 · answer #9 · answered by naniannie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
compassion is truly caring for the OTHER person and putting his/her THING BEFORE yours....and not minding it.More people should try it...
2007-07-11 07:44:35 · answer #10 · answered by ajal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋