Compassion (Oxford English Dictionary): Suffering together with another, participation in suffering; fellow-feeling, sympathy. Obs.
a. The feeling or emotion, when a person is moved by the suffering or distress of another, and by the desire to relieve it; pity that inclines one to spare or to succour. Const. on (of obs.). (The compassion of sense 1 was between equals or fellow-sufferers; this is shown towards a person in distress by one who is free from it, who is, in this respect, his superior.)
b. with plural. Obs. or arch.
c. to have compassion: to have pity, take pity. So, to take compassion (upon, of). Sorrowful emotion, sorrow, grief. Obs.
Compassion (unsigned web source): Sympathetic, sad concern for someone in misfortune: commiseration, condolence, empathy, pity, sympathy. See pity.
Compassion (unsigned web source): Literally, suffering with another; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.
Compassion is much more than the dictionary definition. Most dictionary definitions emphasize the sense of feeling sorry for. I believe that the true meaning has more to do with empathy. Felling sorry for other living entities is the ultimate in arrogance. It implies that I am not like those who suffer, that I am more fortunate. As a nobleman or aristocrat, my Code of Chivalry demands that I identify with those less fortunate not only in birthright but in emotional want. Every being suffers from emotional distress, so just because I am high born does not mean that I do not experience the same feelings. I can identify with those who are suffering emotional distress, and all living entities experience stress, even plants. All spiritual seekers and teachers emphasize the quality of humility. The quality of humility means that I empathize, that I can relate, with others. Although plants do not have emotions as people conceive them, they have likes and dislikes. Plants move toward sunlight, they focus on root growth when growing conditions are poor, they do not bear leaves or fruits if stressed by their environment. A compassionate person can understand and relate to the suffering of even a plant, what to speak of another human being.
- Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things. (Thomas Merton, theologian)
- Compassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment. (Arthur Jersild, psychologist)
- Compassion is not sentiment but is making justice and doing works of mercy. Compassion is not a moral commandment but a flow and overflow of the fullest human and divine energies. (Matthew Fox, spiritualist)
- The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness. (H.H. the Dalai Lama, Buddhist leader)
