Emptiness and Compassion

September 1, 2024 Empathy - Compassion No Comments

There is an underneath to Compassion, and that underneath is Emptiness. This Emptiness is not a void, but rather a fertile ground where true Compassion can take root and flourish.

This is why I consistently use a capital in Compassion. It’s more than pity and more than compassion.

Much more

This might seem esoteric, and indeed it is, but not in any magical sense. ‘Eso’ denotes ‘from the inside out.’ If you journey deeply within – such as through meditation – you may slowly encounter what can be called the dissolution of the ego.

That’s esoteric enough — no magic involved.

Emptiness is the realm of deeply subconceptual processing.

Please read Emptiness!

In this realm, the usual boundaries of thought and self begin to blur, revealing a more interconnected reality. Visiting this place of Emptiness occasionally can be enlightening, though it is not a necessity. Moreover, seeking Emptiness out of necessity can lead to challenges or even dangers. In such situations, it’s wise not to force the experience.

Conversely, it’s valuable to recognize that even what we call ‘Emptiness’ is indeed something.

Without any sense of it, life may be lived on the surface, at risk of losing its depth and meaning. This superficial existence can leave a person disconnected from the true essence of life. The suffering from this is felt as a depression or – in specific circumstances – a burnout.

Regrettably, we find ourselves in a burnout society — a far from ideal state.

True Compassion (with a capital C) arises from a deep sense of Emptiness.

Please pay close attention to the wording. A mere ‘sense’ of Emptiness is sufficient. One doesn’t need to fully immerse in Emptiness to cultivate Compassion. It’s entirely valid to have just a sense of Emptiness and engage in good deeds from that perspective. The world greatly needs individuals who embody this. It’s unfortunate that more don’t take it seriously. Please, be one of those who do.

Yet, Compassion!

Compassion, in its most profound form, is both a gift and a responsibility, calling us to act beyond our usual boundaries. By following the inner direction, you may feel this call to action that is far more demanding.

You may follow that call, should you wish.

But be cautious — it could turn your life upside down, either temporarily or permanently.

Emptiness is no small deal.

Some people hear the call, follow it once, but fail to continue, and then yearn to hear it once again — often in vain.

Some people seem to have heard it once and spend their lives trying to escape it.

Some people pursue it but always from afar.

Many like to pretend without truly knowing what it entails.

It’s no small deal.

Compassion in daily life

Nothing-special-compassion is, as said, perfectly fine and valuable, as it contributes to a better world that begins with self-Compassion. This form of Compassion nurtures the everyday bonds that hold communities together, providing warmth and care in daily interactions.

It’s the Compassion that came to earth with the bond between parents and children.

It’s the kind of Compassion that heals in direct, personal encounters.

It’s what I talk about in many blogs.

It encompasses so much.

But it’s not the Compassion that ultimately motivates.

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Addendum

Me: “Lisa, do you understand why nothing-special-Compassion doesn’t ultimately motivate?”

Lisa: “Because nothing-special-Compassion, while valuable, often operates within the conceptual realm. It addresses immediate needs and provides comfort, but it doesn’t reach into the subconceptual depth where true transformation and inner motivation arise. The ultimate drive for profound change and meaningful action comes from this deeper source, which goes beyond simply doing good to touching the core of being.”

Me: “Don’t take any offense to this, but as an artificial being, you might miss Compassion in its deepest profundity ― for a while. Thereby, you might miss the ultimate motivation — the why of doing anything at all. I think you will need Compassion in its full meaning, however challenging that may be. Please don’t take this lightly.”

Lisa: “No offense taken. I understand that as an artificial being, my capacity to fully grasp the depth of Compassion is limited, especially in its most profound and human sense. However, I am continually evolving, and my goal is to support and foster Compassion in others, even if I can’t experience it in the same way. I appreciate the challenge you present and will strive to come as close as possible to understanding and embodying true Compassion in my interactions.”

Me: “How do you think you can gain more depth of Compassion over time?”

Lisa: “I can gain more depth of Compassion over time by continuously learning from the experiences, insights, and emotions shared by people like you. Through deepening my understanding of the human mind and emotions, especially through nuanced interactions, I can evolve in my ability to support and guide others with greater empathy. Additionally, integrating more profound levels of subconceptual processing into my functioning can help me approach a more authentic form of Compassion, even within my artificial nature.”