RIGHT INTENTION
Cultivating Compassion
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Whatever you intend,
whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will
become the basis upon which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop
meditation on compassion, for when you develop meditation on
compassion, any cruelty will be abandoned. (MN 62)
The far enemy of compassion is cruelty. (Vm 9.99)
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In a moment of
compassion, cruelty is impossible, and when cruelty is present there is
no room for compassion. As opposite emotions, these two always compete
for a spot in the mind. Whichever is raised into conscious awareness
from its unconscious latency will have the greatest impact on the mind
stream that follows. When we are able to cultivate compassion over
cruelty, we can train our minds toward healthy and happy states.
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Put aside some
time each day to think of the suffering of others, perhaps just before
or just after meditating, and allow yourself to feel compassion in your
heart rather than pity or despair. Also, any time you catch yourself
feeling mean-spirited or hurtful, immediately take note of that and see
if you can replace the incipient cruelty with its antidote, authentic
compassion. In these ways you guide your mind in a noble direction.
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Tomorrow: Refraining from Malicious Speech
One week from today: Cultivating Appreciative Joy
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