Those caught in the cycle of self-concern suffer helplessly, while the compassionate are more free and, implicitly, more happy.
Interpretation
Self-concern leads to suffering, while compassion brings freedom and happiness.
In this quote, Robert Thurman emphasizes the contrasting states of individuals who are absorbed in their own problems versus those who practice compassion. Those who are self-centered tend to feel trapped by their worries, while those who demonstrate empathy and kindness towards others experience a greater sense of freedom and happiness in their lives.
In practice
Use this quote in a speech about mental health to highlight the importance of compassion.
The tradition of nonviolence, optimism, concern for the individual, and unconditional compassion that developed in Tibet is the culmination of a slow inner revolution, a cool one, hard to see, that began 2,500 years ago with the Buddha's insight about the end of suffering. What I have learned from these people has forever changed my life, and I believe their culture contains an inner science particularly relevant to the difficult time in which we live.
It took me forty years of dealing with buddhism to finally realize that actually Buddha's discovery was happiness and bliss.
Nonviolence against humans cannot take firm hold in society as long as brutality and violence are practiced toward other animals.
People are afraid that if they let go of their anger and righteousness and wrath, and look at their own feelings-and even see the good in a bad person-they're going to lose the energy they need to do something about the problem. But actually you get more strength and energy by operating from a place of love and concern. You can be just as tough, but more effectively tough.
Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the greatest teachers of our time. He reaches from the heights of insight down to the deepest places of the absolutely ordinary.
The Buddhists think that, because we've all had infinite previous lives, we've all been each other's relatives. Therefore all of you, in the Buddhist view, in some previous life ... have been my mother - for which I do apologize for the trouble I caused you.
Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.
Your mindset matters. It affects everything - from the business and investment decisions you make, to the way you raise your children, to your stress levels and overall well-being.
Their attitude is, 'okay, I am the customer. You are supposed to entertain me.' It's kind of a passive attitude they're taking, and to me it's kind of a pathetic thing. They do not know how interesting it is if you move one step further and try to challenge yourself with more advanced games.
I became a better listener than I ever had been as a result of playing Jean Luc Picard because it was one of the things that he does terrifically well.
Writerβs block is only a failure of the ego.
Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.
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