When we talk of compassion or mercy, some people ask if it is possible to practice compassion in a world of cut-throat competition. In the business world everyone has their vested interest, so where is the space for mercy? But when we recognise that the whole world is one family, we are all interconnected and dependent on each other in many ways, we recognise the need to care about our fellow human beings. Without compassion we would not share our resources, time, and energy to solve common problems.
In a competitive world, people, companies, and countries are unwilling to share their resources. This is where spirituality comes in. When the soul is full of virtues such as peace, love, and purity, has the strength to tolerate and accommodate, and understands its role as a member of the human family, sharing comes naturally.
But there are some obstacles to being merciful. Ego blocks compassion in different ways. It breeds indifference and callousness. Then there is a defeatist attitude. When a problem is too big, we may think, ‘What can I do about it?’, ‘What difference will it make if I change?’ Such thinking comes from lack of courage, and not recognising that I can set an example for others and become an instrument to bring about change.
Attachment limits our compassion to people and places we feel close to, and we ignore those we do not know. We can check what our feelings are for people we know and like, those we do not know, and those who have hurt us at some time. Detachment from such experiences is necessary in order to be compassionate towards everyone. If someone has hurt us, the experience need not limit our kindness, instead it can inspire us to rise above the limitations of negative feelings, with the recognition that like us, every other soul is a child of God and deserves mercy.
Compassion brings rewards in the form of a sense of fulfilment, and what researchers have called the ‘helper’s high’. The feeling of satisfaction that comes from doing something for others without expecting any return produces biochemical changes in the body, boosting its immune system. It has been found that those who help and care for others live longer, happier and more stable and productive lives.
On the other hand, when we are selfish and uncaring, we fail to appreciate even the good in others. Such appreciation is also a form of mercy. It boosts the other person’s sense of self-worth. But sometimes we may be too lazy to do even that. Laziness makes us uncaring: ‘Why bother about them?’
On the spiritual path, the effort that we make towards self-improvement brings various insights as we progress. The insights make our effort more subtle and take us closer to our goal of becoming perfect – free from defects and full of virtues. But spiritual growth is not just about personal development. Keeping our knowledge and wisdom to ourselves limits us and hinders our growth. Sharing what we have learnt is part of the journey of self-improvement. That also counts as mercy. Being compassionate is natural to the human soul, and when we give expression to this quality, we flourish, creating happy relationships and earning the blessings of others.
Dr. Pratap Midha is Medical Director of the Global Hospital and Research Centre in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
