Householder Adrian, 'simple' out of compassion:
- Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa -
(KARUṆĀ — COMPASSION)
Sabbe sattā sabba-dukkhā pamuccantu.
May all living beings be freed from all stress & pain.
In the Dhamma-Vinaya tradition ("Buddhism")
karuṇā (compassion) represents one of the four
Brahmavihara, "Sublime Dwellings/Mind-states/Attitudes" equal the Host of the Brahmas, and would be
developed even till the reach of the Deathless. Based on a practice and virtue which goes in accordance with the thought one "spreads" toward all Beings, what ever size, seen.. beloved, not so...
...”That disciple of the noble ones — thus devoid of covetousness, devoid of ill will, unbewildered, alert, mindful — keeps pervading the first direction with an awareness imbued with
compassion, likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth. Thus above, below, & all around, everywhere, in its entirety, he keeps pervading the all-encompassing cosmos with an awareness imbued with equanimity — abundant, expansive, immeasurable, without hostility, without ill will. Just as a strong conch-trumpet blower can notify the four directions without any difficulty, in the same way, when the awareness-release through equanimity is thus developed, thus pursued, any deed done to a limited extent no longer remains there, no longer stays there.“.. -
from SN 42.8
http://www.accesstoinsight.eu/en/tipitaka/sut/sn/sn42/sn42.008.than#brahma2
Some literature and info:
In traditional countries laypeople are familiar with the development of karuna, learning about the 4 Brahmaviharas beginning as small child and it is also a 'standard' meditation for householder.
Possible the largest different to western, modern attitude is that it's not really "com-passion", suffering with someone else, but the wish that one may help ALL beings, a certain desire to fit to such a Noble attitude and of cause requires wisdom which is the base of lived compassion: min. the 5 precepts (
Pañcasila — the
Five Precepts (for lay men and women).
The helpful monkey…
One day a monkey had a profound experience which made him far more aware of the suffering of others, and much more compassionate.
He resolved to put this compassion into action.
Walking through the jungle path he saw a worm lying in the sun...he gently picked it up and placed in the shade on wet soil.
Walking on again he saw a wasp in a puddle, so he fished it out with a leaf and left it to dry.
He then came to a clear pool, where he saw a fish. Overwhelmed with compassion he scooped the fish from the water and lodged it in the branch of a tree..... to prevent it from drowning.
Fired with compassion he then looked for more creatures to help…
…and the danger of joy if it’s without wisdom!
Actually every practice in the Tradition of the Noble ones starts with compassion, starts with Virtue, Precepts aside of "just faith follower".
Monks, because sticking to precepts and living a harmless live are usually addressed as "Br(e)ah Karuna", something like "Lord of Compassion" by householder and other monks.
Since everybody has more or lesser feelings of compassion it's not so that it can not be actually very harmful (aside of foolish) if it is not developed toward all beings and most important especially toward "disliked" people or "enemies".
The Danger of developing compassion, which is done in many, especially Arabic cultures or religion, is that it often is very hypocritical and biased and further more often practiced is a manner that leads to self-overestimation. So toward all, starting by one self, is very important and that actually acting carries more of this attitude honest as to make it a kind of lordly tendency which can increase pride very fast.
Compassion is something that everybody can develop and best done if putting ones actions in daily live, by living a virtuous life, into practice.
Think how many countless beings will never come even near your blessed situation, especially materially. Sharing thoughts is the beginning of putting things into deeds and most powerful.
One may start:
Ahaṃ sukhito homi
May I be happy.
Niddukkho homi
May I be free from stress & pain.
Avero homi
May I be free from animosity.
Abyāpajjho homi
May I be free from oppression.
Anīgho homi
May I be free from trouble.
Sukhī attānaṃ pariharāmi
May I look after myself with ease...
and continue
Here also chanted by the Monks of Wat Metta, California.