Mindfulness is a quality that's always there. It's an illusion that there's a meditation and post-meditation period, which I always find amusing, because you're either mindful or you're not.
Richard GereRead
In a situation like this, of course you identify with everyone who's suffering. (But we must also think about) the terrorists who are creating such horrible future lives for themselves because of the negativity of this karma. It's all of our jobs to keep our minds as expansive as possible. If you can see (the terrorists) as a relative who's dangerously sick and we have to give them medicine, and the medicine is love and compassion. There's nothing better.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, even towards those who commit harmful acts.
Richard Gere reflects on the need to empathize with all parties affected by suffering, including those who cause it. He suggests that terrorists, viewed as individuals suffering from their own harmful actions, require 'medicine' in the form of love and compassion rather than hate. This perspective encourages a broader understanding of humanity and the belief that compassion can heal negativity and foster positive change.
Themes
EmpathyCompassionLoveTerrorismSufferingKarma
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a discussion about conflict resolution and understanding differing perspectives.
More from Richard Gere
All quotes →Meditation is such a more substantial reality than what we normally take to be reality.
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It's not enough to say that the Olympics is an athletic contest outside of politics, because it's not. The Chinese clearly are using the Olympics to recreate how they are viewed in the world and how they view themselves.
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I've got a lot of opportunities, a lot of love in my life, a lot of things going for me. Still, it's not complete. I know this is not the whole thing. There's much more.
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As custodians of the planet it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love, and compassion. That these animals suffer through human cruelty is beyond understanding. Please help to stop this madness.
Richard GereRead
If you can see the terrorists as a relative who's dangerously sick and we have to give them medicine and the medicine is love and compassion. There's nothing better.
Richard GereRead
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