Page 170 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

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164 Mystic pathways through the bible
be sharp, his movements to be precise, and his incision to be as deep as necessary. If he didn’t steady his hand or use sharp instruments, he wouldn’t be compassionate.
Similarly, when a teacher trains his disciples, his compassion permits him to be rm when rmness is needed, and gentle when gentleness is needed. Think of Lord Krishna in this context. He was tender and rm, always desirous of promoting peace and harmony in the world, yet ready to ght for peace when absolutely necessary.
Compassion Is Based on a Vision of Universality
The entire universe is rooted in the same Absolute Divine Self. Therefore, all beings are linked to one universal life, and other people’s sufferings are yours too. Just as you would like to have your sufferings removed, so there should be a spontaneous wish to see others’ sufferings remedied as well.
Everyone has that ability to understand the suffering and pain of others with tenderness and sensitivity; however, kindness in most people is in limited degrees and only directed to certain few people. For example, a mother is compassionate towards the suffering of her child, and all the members of a family are compassionate towards the sufferings of each other. However, if somebody next door suffers, it may not matter to anyone. Such “compassion” is limited compassion.