C for Compassion

The Bhagavad Gita is a treasure trove of knowledge - all that you need to be is an inquisitive student, because only when the student is ready, the master appears! Join me this month in the 'April A to Z challenge,' as I take you through selected verses of this monumental scripture, and try to decipher the amazing lessons it has in store for us.     

Read B for Balance here. 

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Translation 

In this verse, Krishna says that those who are free of hatred (advesta) for fellow living beings (sarva bhutanam) , those who treat everyone with friendship (maitri) and compassion (karuna) , are the ones dear to him.

Compassion is a rare quality. 

It is not easy to feel the pain and suffering of others as one’s own. We may sympathise with the suffering of others. But compassion is not just sympathy where we feel sorry for someone. We may sometimes understand or feel the pain of others too. But merely showing empathy is not enough. The third step is the most important - putting our willingness to help in action. Unless we take action, it cannot be called compassion.

One may or may not find time to worship, or carry out elaborate rituals. However, if one is compassionate towards fellow living beings, they are already dear to Krishna. It is the true way to show one’s love for God.  

                   

A story from the Mahabharata.

In the Mahabharata we find a story of King Rantideva. He was born in the lineage of King Bharata. He was known for his immense generosity and kindness. He did not believe in hoarding wealth and gradually emptied his coffers helping people in need.

Reduced to abject poverty, he and his family had been starving for 48 days.  On the 49^th day, he received a small quantity of porridge and some water. Just as they were about to eat, three hungry guests, knocked at his door one by one, asking for food. Seeing someone hungrier than him, Rantideva was overcome with compassion and gave them each a share of the food. Later a chandala came crying of thirst and Rantideva parted with the little water that he had.  

Though Rantideva hadn’t eaten or drunk water in days, he happily parted with his food and water out of compassion for the living beings.   

The three guests were none other than the divinities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in disguise, testing his courage in adversity. Amply blessed by the gods, Rantideva attained liberation.

                                                                             

Unconditional compassion.

The essence of the story is that compassion should be unconditional. One cannot choose whom to be kind to. Giving only when we have had our fill, is not being charitable. Giving even when one has little, is true charity.   

           Read D for Determination, Discipline and Devotion here.