120. Particularly Unimportant
It’s not a particular activity you participate in or a special kind of work you do. It’s not a particular book you’ve read or a set of ideas you possess. It’s not a particular experience you’ve had or have not had. It’s not a particular set of principles you follow or an organization you belong to. It’s not a particular belief or collection of beliefs. None of these things determine whether or not you will act from compassion.
On the contrary, the particular actions, principles, and ideas you value dearly can impede compassion. If you are attached to these things, they become anchors that prevent you from venturing out into the rough seas of the world that lie beyond your comfortable harbours. And it is precisely this venturing out into the unknown and challenging world that makes compassion possible.
To venture in this way is to open yourself up to anything and everything, and to disallow your preference for this or that to stand in the way of exploration. It is to steer away from your own limiting judgments that would prevent you from moving in an unfamiliar direction. It is to allow yourself to be sensitive to all that arises around you and in you, regardless of the pain it might bring.
It is this openness — of mind, body, and senses — that allows your awareness to expand. And awareness makes compassion possible. When you are aware and attentive, you will intuitively and immediately see what is needed and necessary. You will understand that it is your responsibility to eliminate the suffering you see, and that the means to do this is compassionate action.
The particulars do not matter. Beliefs do not matter. Values do not matter. When your awareness is broad and your attention is open and free, you will see the world as yourself and you will act always from compassion and towards joy.