Thanks! Certainly a timely piece of guidance. We, the citizens of the world, are entering interesting times - not something 'new' just not experienced in decades. We're being challenged to respond, directly or overtly. Fierce compassion should be the preferred response - but I suspect we need practice.
You are so right that this is not new. Some days, it feels as old as the sun. I was reading an interesting book called Catafalque and the author talks about how 2000+ years ago, the things concerning human beings are the same things concerning us today, just superficially different. It seems the wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round! 😜 Re: fierce compassion, my god is it a practice. I do a lot of experimentation, sensing into system responses so I can learn as I wobble my way forward. I read another note about how often a plane is on course: only about 4% of the time. So I think we can be generous with ourselves when we try sincerely and mess it all up and have to course-correct. There’s something very endearing about the sincerity of the effort. 🙏🏼
Soft front, strong back really hit home—compassion isn’t just kindness, it’s strength. And Manjushri’s sword cutting through delusion instead of destroying? That stuck with me. The way you framed fierce compassion as a force that protects what’s sacred feels especially urgent now. With so many systems built on coercion and scarcity falling apart, just bearing witness isn’t enough—we have to build something better. But how do we make compassion, both gentle and fierce, not just an ideal but the actual foundation of what comes next?
Really grateful for this piece—timely and resonant. Maybe we’ll cross paths in the School of the Possible? Would love to keep the conversation going!
Alberto, I'm really glad it spoke to you. My Zen teacher has deep levels of wisdom to share...I've been charged with helping bring his messages to others in a way that's accessible. And YES, compassion is quite powerful. I wrote this piece on SELF-compassion you might also find useful...compassion doesn't only go outward and, in fact, is better sent inward early and often so that when it radiates outward, it's cleaner.
In terms of your inquiry around how we make compassion the foundation of action...that's partly a practice of sensing, discerning, experimenting, and noticing the outcome of an activity. In Zen (and Buddhism in general), there's an energy called 'boddhicitta' which points to an aspiration for the welfare of all beings. Compassionate action arises from this original energy and skillful means is in play when the action we take has the desired effect. It is all in context and experimentation so the manifestations of compassion, both gentle and fierce, are infinite. The practice is about noticing from where WE are moving...noticing which state of heart and mind WE are in when we seek to make a difference. You might find these different types of compassion interesting, too:
In Buddhism, compassion (*karuṇā*) is a central virtue, and different traditions and texts describe various types or dimensions of compassion. Here are the primary types:
1. Ordinary Compassion (*karuṇā*)
This is the natural compassion that arises when witnessing suffering. It is often based on personal experience and empathy, but it can still be limited by bias or attachment.
2. Great Compassion (*mahākaruṇā*)
This is an unconditional and boundless form of compassion that extends to all beings, not just those close to us. It is cultivated through deep wisdom and insight into interdependence (*pratītyasamutpāda*). The Bodhisattva ideal in Mahāyāna Buddhism is based on this form of compassion.
3. Compassion with Attachment (*sāsrava-karuṇā*)
This is compassion mixed with clinging, aversion, or ego-based motivations. It can manifest as wanting to help others but being attached to specific outcomes or recognition.
4. Compassion without Attachment (*anāsrava-karuṇā*)
This is pure, selfless compassion, free from ego and expectation. It arises from wisdom (*prajñā*) and is considered an aspect of enlightenment.
5. Idiot or Foolish Compassion (*moha-karuṇā*)
This is misguided compassion that lacks wisdom. It can lead to enabling harmful behaviors or being manipulated by others’ suffering.
6. Cruel Compassion (*kṛpaṇā-karuṇā*)
This is a paradoxical form of compassion that may appear harsh but serves a higher purpose. It includes skillful means (*upāya*), such as a teacher using tough love to help a student grow.
7. Compassion Based on Loving-Kindness (*mettā-karuṇā*)
Compassion arising from *mettā* (loving-kindness) focuses on actively wishing for the well-being and happiness of others, not just alleviating their suffering.
8. Compassion Based on Emptiness (*śūnyatā-karuṇā*)**
This is the highest form of compassion in Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism. It arises from realizing that suffering and beings have no fixed, independent existence. This realization allows for spontaneous, effortless compassion free from personal attachment.
Timely, as always. I can't help but imagine that anyone who reads this, finds it nearly impossible to follow and stay true to it, even though they know in their heart it's right, could turn. And if they were to turn, wouldn't it be delightful to see who they found in themselves? Multiply that by thousands. A formidable army of compassion. Thanks for bringing this to the light of day again and again. Every time you do, someone could turn.
Thank you for reading, Brian. I love hearing from you. And it feels crucial to make these **seemingly-impossible** invitations because we know choosing wisdom and/or compassion (turning, as you refer to it) is possible in each moment. Most of us aren't so wholly endarkened that we don't know or care what the right thing to do is. We know. And having an army of courageous and compassionate people is a worthy endeavor. SOMEONE has got to represent the Jedis, you know. ;)
Thanks! Certainly a timely piece of guidance. We, the citizens of the world, are entering interesting times - not something 'new' just not experienced in decades. We're being challenged to respond, directly or overtly. Fierce compassion should be the preferred response - but I suspect we need practice.
You are so right that this is not new. Some days, it feels as old as the sun. I was reading an interesting book called Catafalque and the author talks about how 2000+ years ago, the things concerning human beings are the same things concerning us today, just superficially different. It seems the wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round! 😜 Re: fierce compassion, my god is it a practice. I do a lot of experimentation, sensing into system responses so I can learn as I wobble my way forward. I read another note about how often a plane is on course: only about 4% of the time. So I think we can be generous with ourselves when we try sincerely and mess it all up and have to course-correct. There’s something very endearing about the sincerity of the effort. 🙏🏼
Soft front, strong back really hit home—compassion isn’t just kindness, it’s strength. And Manjushri’s sword cutting through delusion instead of destroying? That stuck with me. The way you framed fierce compassion as a force that protects what’s sacred feels especially urgent now. With so many systems built on coercion and scarcity falling apart, just bearing witness isn’t enough—we have to build something better. But how do we make compassion, both gentle and fierce, not just an ideal but the actual foundation of what comes next?
Really grateful for this piece—timely and resonant. Maybe we’ll cross paths in the School of the Possible? Would love to keep the conversation going!
Alberto, I'm really glad it spoke to you. My Zen teacher has deep levels of wisdom to share...I've been charged with helping bring his messages to others in a way that's accessible. And YES, compassion is quite powerful. I wrote this piece on SELF-compassion you might also find useful...compassion doesn't only go outward and, in fact, is better sent inward early and often so that when it radiates outward, it's cleaner.
https://nothingintheway.substack.com/p/self-compassion-is-a-power-move
In terms of your inquiry around how we make compassion the foundation of action...that's partly a practice of sensing, discerning, experimenting, and noticing the outcome of an activity. In Zen (and Buddhism in general), there's an energy called 'boddhicitta' which points to an aspiration for the welfare of all beings. Compassionate action arises from this original energy and skillful means is in play when the action we take has the desired effect. It is all in context and experimentation so the manifestations of compassion, both gentle and fierce, are infinite. The practice is about noticing from where WE are moving...noticing which state of heart and mind WE are in when we seek to make a difference. You might find these different types of compassion interesting, too:
In Buddhism, compassion (*karuṇā*) is a central virtue, and different traditions and texts describe various types or dimensions of compassion. Here are the primary types:
1. Ordinary Compassion (*karuṇā*)
This is the natural compassion that arises when witnessing suffering. It is often based on personal experience and empathy, but it can still be limited by bias or attachment.
2. Great Compassion (*mahākaruṇā*)
This is an unconditional and boundless form of compassion that extends to all beings, not just those close to us. It is cultivated through deep wisdom and insight into interdependence (*pratītyasamutpāda*). The Bodhisattva ideal in Mahāyāna Buddhism is based on this form of compassion.
3. Compassion with Attachment (*sāsrava-karuṇā*)
This is compassion mixed with clinging, aversion, or ego-based motivations. It can manifest as wanting to help others but being attached to specific outcomes or recognition.
4. Compassion without Attachment (*anāsrava-karuṇā*)
This is pure, selfless compassion, free from ego and expectation. It arises from wisdom (*prajñā*) and is considered an aspect of enlightenment.
5. Idiot or Foolish Compassion (*moha-karuṇā*)
This is misguided compassion that lacks wisdom. It can lead to enabling harmful behaviors or being manipulated by others’ suffering.
6. Cruel Compassion (*kṛpaṇā-karuṇā*)
This is a paradoxical form of compassion that may appear harsh but serves a higher purpose. It includes skillful means (*upāya*), such as a teacher using tough love to help a student grow.
7. Compassion Based on Loving-Kindness (*mettā-karuṇā*)
Compassion arising from *mettā* (loving-kindness) focuses on actively wishing for the well-being and happiness of others, not just alleviating their suffering.
8. Compassion Based on Emptiness (*śūnyatā-karuṇā*)**
This is the highest form of compassion in Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism. It arises from realizing that suffering and beings have no fixed, independent existence. This realization allows for spontaneous, effortless compassion free from personal attachment.
Timely, as always. I can't help but imagine that anyone who reads this, finds it nearly impossible to follow and stay true to it, even though they know in their heart it's right, could turn. And if they were to turn, wouldn't it be delightful to see who they found in themselves? Multiply that by thousands. A formidable army of compassion. Thanks for bringing this to the light of day again and again. Every time you do, someone could turn.
Thank you for reading, Brian. I love hearing from you. And it feels crucial to make these **seemingly-impossible** invitations because we know choosing wisdom and/or compassion (turning, as you refer to it) is possible in each moment. Most of us aren't so wholly endarkened that we don't know or care what the right thing to do is. We know. And having an army of courageous and compassionate people is a worthy endeavor. SOMEONE has got to represent the Jedis, you know. ;)
Beautifully written and food for guidance and thought in these days.
Thank you for taking the time to read it, Rex. It helps me to know I'm not powerless in the face of overwhelming change. I appreciate your note.