करुणा: एक शाश्वत यात्रा (Karuṇā: Eka Śāśvata Yātrā) = "Compassion: A Timeless Journey."
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥ Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah. Sarve bhadrani pashyantu, ma kashcid duhkha-bhag bhavet.
Compassion is an essential element of human nature that surpasses the boundaries of time, culture, and belief systems. Historical philosophies and sacred writings have consistently highlighted compassion's role in creating a peaceful society. The Vedas and Puranas, ancient scriptures from India, provide deep understanding into the natural compassionate tendencies of humans. Despite the progression of society and the development of diverse sociological theories, these ancient texts, penned thousands of years ago, still echo today's moral principles.
The Vedas, Hinduism's ancient sacred scriptures, are replete with lessons on compassion and empathy. A principal concept within these texts is 'Ahimsa,' signifying non-violence and kindness to all creatures. The Rigveda, one of the four primary Vedas, articulates this concept:
"Mitra Varuna, you who maintain the order of the universe, protect us with your compassion." (Rigveda 7.52.1)
This verse highlights the belief that compassion is a divine quality that sustains the cosmos. The Vedas encourage individuals to cultivate compassion as a means to achieve spiritual growth and societal harmony.
The Puranas, an ancient Indian literature genre, further elaborate on the theme of compassion. These texts contain stories and teachings that highlight the significance of compassion in everyday life. The Bhagavata Purana recounts the story of King Rantideva, who exemplified selfless compassion. Despite his own suffering and struggles, he shared his meager resources with others, demonstrating that true compassion goes beyond one's own difficulties.
"Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah" (May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from disease) - This Sanskrit saying from the Puranas captures the essence of compassion, wishing wellbeing for all.
Despite the passage of time and the development of various social theories such as Feminism, Marxism, Freudian psychology, and Nursing models, the core values of compassion and empathy remain unchanged. These theories have contributed to our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures, but the fundamental need for compassion persists.
Feminism, for example, advocates for gender equality and the dismantling of patriarchal structures. At its core, it calls for compassion and empathy towards marginalised groups. Similarly, Marxism emphasises the importance of compassion in addressing social inequalities and promoting collective wellbeing. Freudian psychology, while focusing on the complexities of the human psyche, also acknowledges the role of compassion in mental health and interpersonal relationships. The Tidal Model in mental health nursing, developed by Professor Phil Barker, highlights the significance of compassion in healthcare. This model emphasises the importance of understanding the patient's personal story and experiences, advocating for a holistic and empathetic approach to care. By integrating compassion into mental health nursing practice, it enhances patient outcomes and promotes a more humane and supportive healthcare environment.
While compassion is a powerful force for good, human history is also marked by conflict and war, often driven by egotistical behaviours. The Sanskrit saying "Shāntiṁ yāchante ye, teṣāṁ kriyāḥ guptāḥ vāñchāḥ vā yuddhaṁ pravartayanti" translates to "Individuals or groups may claim to seek peace, but their actions or hidden agendas may actually perpetuate conflict." This highlights the paradox where the pursuit of peace can sometimes be overshadowed by hidden motives, leading to further discord.
Wars and conflicts often arise from a lack of genuine compassion and an overemphasis on power, control, and ego. When leaders and groups prioritise their own interests over the wellbeing of others, the result is often strife and suffering. True compassion requires selflessness and a commitment to the greater good, which can help prevent conflicts and promote lasting peace.
The teachings of the Vedas and Puranas on compassion continue to hold relevance in contemporary society. These ancient texts remind us that despite the advancements in civilization and the emergence of various social theories, the essence of human compassion remains unchanged. By embracing compassion, we cultivate a more just and harmonious world.
NOTE: The idea of a multiplanetary vision, even hinted at in ancient texts, illustrates the timeless human aspiration to explore and expand our horizons. As we venture into new frontiers, carrying with us the compassion that has been a cornerstone of our existence for millennia.
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥ Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah. Sarve bhadrani pashyantu, ma kashcid duhkha-bhag bhavet.
Translation: "May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from disease. May all see auspiciousness and may no one suffer in any way." This verse beautifully captures the essence of compassion and the wish for universal wellbeing.
In hearts where kindness softly blooms,
Compassion's light dispels the glooms,
A gentle touch, all pain consumes.
References
1. Doniger, W. (1981). The Rig Veda: An Anthology. Penguin Classics.
2. Bhattacharya, N. N. (1996). History of the Tantric Religion. Manohar Publishers.
3. Flood, G. (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press.
4. Klostermaier, K. K. (2007). A Survey of Hinduism. State University of New York Press.
5. Radhakrishnan, S. (1953). The Principal Upanishads. HarperCollins.
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