We will be using a different chapter of the book as an entry into each
Empathy Circle.
We ask the question, How does this chapter help foster
building a culture of empathy and compassion.
"I think the circle
is very powerful and I feel always moved by the reflections...Thank you Edwin for providing this sacred space to reflect
about Compassion as it is presents itself in our daily life
following the great guidelines
in Karen Armstrong Book"
Yaffa Maritz,
Chair, Board of Directors
"What a wonderful experience, thank you all so
much! That was a memorable first session of a virtual - yet so
live and heartfelt - [Empathy Circle] book club.
I'm looking forward to the next meetings."
Maya Nader,
Board of Director Compassionate Action
Network International
(CANI)
"
I think theses circles are wonderful, "
Bob.
Webegin
the circle by setting our intention to build a culture of
empathy and compassion.
We light the candle to represent our intention.
About the TED prize and Charter For Compassion
project
Compassion Definition:
So compassion means to endure something with
another person, to put ourselves in somebody else's shoes, to feel
her pain as thought it were our own, and to enter generously into
his point of view.
Compassion can be defined, therefore, as an
attitude of principled, consistent altruism.
Chapter 1. Learn
about compassion
Reading and learning about compassion
seek out teaching about compassion
reading discussion groups
collect passages, quotes, poems that speak to you
make notes
(history of social development)
India
Buddha felt a moment of empathy that took him
out of himself p38
In order to enhance the natural impulse of
empathy and compassion, Gotama developed a special form of
meditation. p39
1. visualize loving kindness
2. visualize compassion
3. visualize pure joy
China
Confucius - family and expanding circles of
compassion
Mozi - concern for everyone
Xunzi -likening to oneself - golden rule
Abrahamic Traditions
Judaism
Hillel - what is hateful to yourself, do not
to your fellow man. This is the whole of the Torah and he
remainder is commentary. Go Study it.
Akiva - love your neighbor as yourself
Jesus - love your enemies
Paul - without love, then I am nothing at all.
Islam
no one can become a believer, unless he
desires for his neighbor what he desires for himself.
golden rule requires self knowledge, use our
feelings a guide to our behavior with others
without denying your faults (into self judgment)
practice mindfulness to distance yourself from
anger, hatred, greed. (different view than addressing then, speaking then and see what's
underneath) (the solution is in yourself, just be compassionate)
we all have a dark side
Meditation - 4 minds of love (a very
individualistic approach)
maitri - imaging friendships
karuna - imaging a past hurt, send it compassion
mudita - imagine joy
upeksha (self judgment p86)
compassion is to dethrone ourselves
(is compassion a conscious choice? a mater of
will?)
Zhuangzi - This emptiness leads to empathy. "
the perfect man has no self. Once he has lost the belief that he is
special and particular, he regards all other people as "I". "People
cry, so he cries - he considers everything as his own being."
