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floatingupstream

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A problem with Compassion
#13984567 - 02/18/11 12:56 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Seeing as I have more than a basic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and that I meditate semi-regularly, I have a great sense of compassion for fellow humans.
It's pretty hard for me to explain in a sensible manner, but I feel this connection to others, almost everyone I encounter. I want them to suffer less.
There's a lot of confusing emotions associated with the feelings I get around people. I know it's because my thinking is radically different from most. Does anyone have an idea of what I'm talking about? Any advice on how to better understand what exactly it is I'm feeling?
Edited by floatingupstream (02/18/11 01:03 PM)
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Tony
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I sometimes get a feeling like I wish some person wasn't so stuck up on this or that issue, but I'm pretty sure that's my mind-identification feeling uncomfortable about feeling "other people's" discomfort and the awkwardness of not knowing what to do or say about it. If I were completely ok with suffering, whether internal or external, then there would be no need to change anything and that awkwardness would completely vanish, revealing a natural compassion that simply soaks up suffering and lets it go. So it seems like having compassion toward others is same as having no self, which also entails complete acceptance toward all kinds of suffering, i.e. there is no suffering, only compassion.
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FishOilTheKid
Ascended


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Its what we are...!!
I don't know... As if its been distracted or replaced or retrained.
When you become hyper-aware you see allot in people that is experienced but not yet at the 'surface' of reality. There is an unmentioned energetic conversation that is often not in accord with the verbal exchange. We are vibrations not values entered into a biological spreadsheet. Its as if our limiting linear language skips across the coarse levels of experience but we are witness to the divine/pure always once having had a glimpse. I think we recognize it in each other but its as if its never the topic of conversation verbally. Meanwhile, the chaos of the energetic conversation commands attention. And, its as if there is a world happening that is never the subject of the egoic program.
Is it that you see the influence that they are under...?? Or, what is it that you feel this connection for...?? How do you determine that they are suffering...?? And, what is it that you think they are suffering from?
I think you are seeing an ego propped up and awkwardly obscuring the transcendent with an ego that is witness and aware of what might be beyond this structure.
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retrospect
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yeah i think that some people have more natural tendencies towards "empathy"
i tend to have this, and overall i find it much better to find detachment
not in the sense that you dont care, but in the sense that if you cant help, then you are able to detach from that, but when you can help, you are able to do so with a conscious choice
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floatingupstream

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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: retrospect]
#13985766 - 02/18/11 05:18 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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It's like... behind all the drama and surface bullshit there's a person in that body, who feels joy and pain, who is playing out this mysterious existence with the rest of us, and I want them to feel as comfortable as possible while they are here, and not be caught up in the mundane, trivialities of contemporary life.
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Ahimsa
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I don't think it is possible to stop others from suffering. Perhaps lend a listening ear or help someone out who's having a hard time. But further than that, what real suffering can we undo to another? I feel the best compassion is patience and readiness to help when those who suffer realise the source of their problem and want to change them selves with your help.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



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Quote:
floatingupstream said: Seeing as I have more than a basic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and that I meditate semi-regularly, I have a great sense of compassion for fellow humans.
It's pretty hard for me to explain in a sensible manner, but I feel this connection to others, almost everyone I encounter. I want them to suffer less.
There's a lot of confusing emotions associated with the feelings I get around people. I know it's because my thinking is radically different from most. Does anyone have an idea of what I'm talking about? Any advice on how to better understand what exactly it is I'm feeling?
IMO the compassion you think you are feeling for others is really for your own suffering which they mirror. Humans are basically self serving. I'm not saying this is right or wrong.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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floatingupstream

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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Icelander]
#13986337 - 02/18/11 07:14 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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That's probable.
...but what if it's not?
Edited by floatingupstream (02/18/11 07:18 PM)
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Icelander
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I'll go with probable.
Otherwise I have to go with the FSM.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Cups
technically "here"


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Quote:
floatingupstream said:
...but what if it's not?
What else would it be? Guess it depends on what kind of buddhist you are...
-------------------- What's up everybody?!
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floatingupstream

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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Cups]
#13986460 - 02/18/11 07:49 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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I guess I was just under the impression that, ultimately, that's what spirituality led to.
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Tony
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Compassion is more like a mirror than a tour guide. It is pure of intentions. How can spirituality lead to it, if not by making everything pure?
Of course, it is also compassion to try to help others by working for their good, as it is love to care for those who are important to you.
With ultimate compassion and love there is, however, no other and nothing that is more important than something else, there is no you vs them, in the absolute.
Edited by Tony (02/19/11 05:29 AM)
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Icelander
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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Tony]
#13988941 - 02/19/11 07:32 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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imo nothing human is pure of intentions. Sounds nice to believe in something like that though I'm sure.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Tony
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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Icelander]
#13989134 - 02/19/11 09:11 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Human actions do have intentions in the same way that particles of matter have momentum... I don't think the whole point is to stop human actions and let society come to a complete stop. Unless it's a metaphor for seeing that all effort is vain.
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Seanfu
Jesus Christ Tacos


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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Icelander]
#13991396 - 02/19/11 06:17 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Icelander said: imo nothing human is pure of intentions. Sounds nice to believe in something like that though I'm sure.
Why not? I think all humans on some conscious or unconscious level want others to not suffer. I think people just have a greedy survival mechanism that makes people want to have more than others.
But beyond it all I think some people at least consciously have pure intentions to better others at times.
-------------------- I am a chronic liar.
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Icelander
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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Seanfu]
#13991415 - 02/19/11 06:22 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Your post doesn't make any sense to me. How can I respond?
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Seanfu
Jesus Christ Tacos


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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Icelander]
#13991500 - 02/19/11 06:35 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Icelander said: Your post doesn't make any sense to me. How can I respond?
With a response. It's simple, people usually even subconsciously are using angles to get ahead all the time. Intentions of getting something out of every action. A simple survival mechanism.
But this isn't always in play, I argue that people do not have intentions to gain from 100 percent of actions. Even if the number is 99 percent.
I claim the 100 percent is cynical. There is still a gray. Dont know how better to state what I was attempting.
-------------------- I am a chronic liar.
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floatingupstream

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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Seanfu]
#13991559 - 02/19/11 06:44 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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I've read and heard lectures on meditation and how it naturally brings about compassion. This may be a certain type of meditation though. And there's also a practice in Buddhism, I think Theravada, called loving-kindness. I'm not a Buddhist, but their ideas do interest me. Perhaps this is what I am experiencing, and since it's somewhat new and unfamiliar, it is bringing up confusing feelings.
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Icelander
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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Seanfu]
#13991703 - 02/19/11 07:14 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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I disagree. To explain I challenge you to give me one example of a selfless action.
To warn you, I have never lost this contest.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Seanfu
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Re: A problem with Compassion [Re: Icelander]
#13991802 - 02/19/11 07:42 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Icelander said: I disagree. To explain I challenge you to give me one example of a selfless action.
To warn you, I have never lost this contest.
I may feel the need to give someone an acknowledgement sign if they are feeling left out, or I may be especially nice to someone because I think it will benefit their day. I understand that I do this because I would want to be treated this way, but I do not see that as something to gain. The chance of recieving such is unlikely.
-------------------- I am a chronic liar.
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