By Lewis Gwilt
Compassion: A Reflection for the Time Between Christmas and New Year
As the year winds down, many of us find ourselves in a contemplative space between Christmas and the New Year. Christmas is often celebrated as a time of compassion, a quality that is also integral to Buddhist teachings. But how is compassion understood in Buddhism, and why is it so essential?
What Opposes Compassion?
Compassion’s greatest obstacle is the belief in separateness—the idea that we are fundamentally distinct from others and the world around us. This mindset fosters discrimination, not just in the form of prejudice, but in the more subtle ways we prioritize our individual concerns over collective well-being.
When we see ourselves as separate, we detach from the suffering of others. We might think, If something doesn’t directly affect me, it’s not my concern. This perspective has far-reaching consequences: neglecting the environment, mistreating other beings, and isolating ourselves from the interconnectedness of life.
The truth is, our actions and beliefs ripple outward. They affect not only ourselves but others and the world around us. Recognising this interconnectedness dissolves the illusion of separateness.
Compassion as the Solution
In this context, even a single compassionate thought or action holds immense power. Compassion bridges the gap of separation, reminding us that we are not isolated beings but deeply connected.
At its core, compassion is the recognition that all beings suffer. When we embrace this truth, we let go of judgment and see that mistreatment—whether of ourselves or others—is rooted in suffering.
By acknowledging our own struggles and understanding how suffering manifests in our lives, we cultivate empathy for others. This wholesome state of mind strengthens as we return to it again and again, creating a foundation for wisdom that leads us away from suffering.
When our hearts and minds are purified through compassion, free from judgments born of separateness, we begin to see the same compassionate nature in all beings.
Buddha Nature
This compassionate essence is known as Buddha nature. It is the pure heart and mind inherent in all beings. Even when we cannot perceive it in others, their suffering reminds us that they share our potential for awakening.
By looking beyond appearances of separation and recognizing our shared nature, we begin to experience life as an extension of ourselves. How we treat others reflects how we view ourselves, and every action we take either affirms our connectedness or reinforces our separateness.
Compassion is not just a path to purify our own hearts and minds; it is the thread that weaves all beings together. At the heart of every living being lies this unifying force of compassion.
A Compassionate New Year
As we move from the Christmas season into the promise of a new year, let us carry the spirit of compassion with us. May we remember our interconnectedness, embrace our shared struggles, and act with kindness—not just during the holidays but throughout the year. In doing so, we honor the Buddha nature in ourselves and all beings.
