If we were to study the various  world religions,we would note that all of them lay great emphasis on non- violence and compassion.However,despite this marvellous idealogy,which should be of great benefit in this  polarized world, religion is often seen as part of the problem ,and secondary goals such as doctrinal orthodoxy,often get more attention.

 As the celebrated  historian Ms. Karen Armstrong says,there is a need for all countries, nationalities and people of all beliefs to adopt a ‘Charter of Compassion’ which would restore compassion to the centre of attention,could challenge the voices of extremism and hatred,and empower people to demand compassionate speech/action,and make compassion audible in our troubled world.This is the Golden Rule that must be implemented globally “so that we treat all peoples as we would wish to be treated ourselves.”

 This mission as per Ms. Karen Armstrong can help “to unify,inspire and bring compassion back into the hearts of society.Without compassion,we cannot build a just and viable world.”

According to the Dalai Lama ,”as long as we live in this world we are bound to encounter problems. If, at such times, we lose hope and become discouraged, we diminish our ability to face difficulties. If, on the other hand, we remember that it is not just ourselves but everyone who has to undergo suffering, this more realistic perspective will increase our determination and capacity to overcome troubles. Indeed, with this attitude, each new obstacle can be seen as yet another valuable opportunity to improve our mind!

First of all, we must be clear about what we mean by compassion. Many forms of compassionate feeling are mixed with desire and attachment. For instance, the love parents feel for their child is often strongly associated with their own emotional needs, so it is not fully compassionate. Again, in marriage, the love between husband and wife—particularly at the beginning, when each partner still may not know the other’s deeper character very well—depends more on attachment than genuine love. Our desire can be so strong that the person to whom we are attached appears to be good, when in fact he or she is very negative. In addition, we have a tendency to exaggerate small positive qualities. Thus when one partner’s attitude changes, the other partner is often disappointed and his or her attitude changes too. This is an indication that love has been motivated more by personal need than by genuine care for the other individual.

True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively.”

 Leaders must create a context where citizens  have flexibility to express pain and then  provide compassion in a way that is unique to the needs of the individuals and situation involved.

 Leaders of organizations can encourage/enable the use of existing networks (formal and informal links between people inside and outside the organizations) and routines (established and well-used ways of accomplishing tasks) to craft compassionate responses that build on an organization’s current competence. Established networks and routines are part of the organization’s know-how that can be applied to  coordinate and deliver compassion.

 Much of this compassion will emerge from the initiatives of groups and individuals who are outside the formal hierarchy of the organization or are in less powerful positions. Often, these individuals or groups have expertise and networks that enable effective compassionate action. Leaders should expect and encourage emergent, bottoms-up compassion-organizing efforts.

 George Washington Carver had once said,” How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life, you will have been all of these.”

 According to the Dalai Lama, “at  every level of society—familial, tribal, national and international—the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.”

“If once we admit, be it for a single hour or in a single instance, that there can be anything more important than compassion for a fellow human being, then there is no crime against man that we cannot commit with an easy conscience.”…Leo Tolstoy

 

 

 

 

 

MA,DMM,MBA
(Faculty of Management Studies,University of Delhi,India),
Management Education Consultant.
Over 30 years Industry,Education and Training experience

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/to-a-more-compassionate-world-1458488.html