October 2024 | Volume 23
In search of Happiness
Compassion (Karuna)
Remember the 4 pillars of Infinite happiness?
While these have been mentioned in the ancient texts of Yoga, recent science has shown that they have a clear impact on both body and mind.
Here they are:
While the scientific works ask us to direct these practices towards our own self, the wisdom texts guide us to do so towards the others too. This is how the practice becomes one that grows better quality social connections - we are all seeing how there is an emerging body of work showing how social connections grow lasting happiness. And, in a spiritual sense, these four pillars give us a structure to transcend the natural tendency of the mind!
In our last issue we explored the first pillar of “Friendship” towards Happy events. We also call this “Gratitude” practice!
We discussed how by practicing it consistently (speaking it, journaling it, or even meditating on it), we could grow the happy hormone, Serotonin, which, in turn, grows our self-belief and confidence. Such a practice also helps strengthen social bonds.
Today, we move on to COMPASSION (KARUNA), which is also known as Loving Kindness.
Let us begin by understanding what is “Compassion” and, more importantly, what it is not! Let’s begin with a recent story that illustrates it.
Last month when I was in India, I came to understand that one of the members of our community had been diagnosed with a serious condition. She had been undergoing treatment for a few months and was now about to embark on surgery. When I told her that I was in town she immediately came to see me.
When we met, the spontaneous thought that came to both of us was to meditate on the emotion of Compassion (Loving Kindness) towards her body and mind. After an hour of that we felt all that was said and felt.
Oftentimes, we mistake Compassion for sympathy. And, by acting from that space we, in fact, weaken the person we are directing this towards (even if it were our own self). In short, well meaning sympathy does NOT help.
Compassion, on the other hand, is best expressed as Loving Kindness! It is NOT sympathy or pity and is, instead, an empathetic presence that invokes strength and love!
Sympathy compels us to be Prescriptive as it is founded on anxiety and ego, while Empathy is Presence with love that is based on trust and connection. The “Prescription” comes from the mind while ”Presence” comes from the heart!
That’s why Compassion (Loving Kindness) raises Oxytocin (a happy hormone), which in turn grows our cognitive ability to address the issue at hand.
Don’t forget that we may practice Compassion towards our own self too where, instead of judging or pitying ourselves, we are able to understand and be present for our own self!
So, how can we practice Compassion?
Sadhna (How to practice):
Here are some ways in which you may practice Compassion (Loving Kindness) - remember you may practice it towards your own self or direct it towards others!
Hold back your prescription and simply be present with love! Listen, Meditate, Pray with wholehearted love (vs conditional love)
Seek to do what help is sought instead of what you think should be done! Support with wholehearted love (and without condition) on what help is sought by the other!
In times of physical or mental pain, direct Loving Kindness towards Body and Mind. Be wholehearted while in the process!
Let us explore the next pillar, Mudita, in our next issue! Until then, tank up on Compassion (loving kindness).
Words Of Wisdom
Upcoming Events
Best life in Paradise
Join us on our signature retreat to refresh your body, mind & spirit while rejoicing in the tradition and culture of Nyepi (Balinese New Year) at our award-winning retreat centre, BeingSattvaa, Ubud, Bali.
March 27 - 31, 2025
(5 Days 4 Nights)
Limited seats - 15 only
Calm in chaos collection
When we conceptualised “Calm in Chaos Collection” we wanted to offer you access to this life changing library at the cost of a beverage! Yes, just think of it as a cup of tea a month with Subba!
You will have access to a library of 100 sessions of Wisdom, Movement and Meditation at a “pay as able” scheme - you can choose between USD3 a month to USD10 a month (or pay it annually).
“Calm in Chaos Collection” helps you take one step every week on your life journey and have access to these recordings for your daily listening or practice!
Artwork by Ramapriya Rajagopalan
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
One of the standing yoga asana, Triangle pose has numerous benefits:
• Makes legs and spine stronger
• Stretches inner thighs, hamstrings, calves, spine, shoulders, chest and opens hips
• Gives a fantastic stimulation to the abdominal organs
• And is an energizer + improves balance and focus
You can start incorporating it in your morning yoga/ exercise routine to reap the benefits. Hold for a minute on both sides 🧘🏻
Until next month…
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email us at beingmesingapore@gmail.com