Compassion and being harsh

/ Debra

We should be compassionate to all. But compassion sometimes has to be harsh. How else can we pinpoint where the problem really lies? Hatred’s hold on us is so strong. Simple coddling will not do the job. ~ Nawang Gehlek Rimpoche, “The Real Enemy”

 

8 thoughts on “Compassion and being harsh”

  1. The difference between compassionately harsh and otherwise is a matter of mindfulness and skillfulness. It is true that there are times when we have to send the point home, so to speak, to somebody, but it is very difficult for most of us mere worldlings to know precisely how to do this without letting our afflictive emotions get in the way.

    Thank you for sharing this great, little quote. 🙂 Be well, friend.

    • Thank you for the thoughtful words. Yes, I agree…skillfulness and mindfulness.

      This post was again brought to my mind by a recent interchange between two friends of mine. Neither used mindfulness or skillfulness in their handling of a tense situation between them. Thus, no compassion in the words, although there was much harshness.

      It was a visual/verbal lesson. Compassion smooths the agitated waters.

    • Thank you Nancy…I hope you are doing well.

      Stopping a person from spiraling by holding a verbal ‘Stop’ sign…is compassionate. The harshness of the tone…jarred her to awareness.

      both are excellent examples of compassion. hugs you.

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  5. After a space of time since i had originally post this quote…..I have come across instances where my awareness of ‘what is harsh can be compassionate’….IF…..and only IF compassion is the guiding factor in your ‘harshness’.

    When Ego leads my words…there is no compassion, no love for beings, no caring for the interdependence of life. Thus, i can only do harm with any harshness that spews.

    thank you my friends for commenting on this quote. Be Well /!\

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