Episode 85 - Compassion For Those Who Harm Us

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode we look at a practice to help us generate compassion for those who harm us. This can free us from the painful experience of anger. The method given in this episode is called taking and giving. It is a highly effective practice for overcoming many types of anger, including resentment and guilt. </span></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Analyzing your commitment</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I committed myself to achieving the benefit and happiness of all living beings when I generated the spirit of enlightenment. I act for others’ welfare and care for all beings.”</span></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Showing that compassion is appropriate </span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Contemplate from the depths of your heart, “All living beings have been in cyclic existence since beginningless time, and there is not one who has not been my friend and relative—father, mother, etc. Being impermanent, they lose their lives and are miserable due to the three types of suffering. Crazed by the demon of the afflictions, they destroy their own welfare in this and future lives. [411] I must generate compassion for them. How could it be right to get angry or to retaliate for harm?”</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">—Je Tsongkhapa </span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For the ever-wakeful— </strong></p> <p><strong>Training day and night, </strong></p> <p><strong>Intent on Nirvana— </strong></p> <p><strong>The toxins disappear.</strong></p> <p><strong>—Buddha, The Dhammapada </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Links and References</strong></p> <p><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Buddha.The+Dhammapada.+Translated+by+Gil+Fronsdale.&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Buddha.</span><em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Dhammapada.</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Translated by