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.
The less prudence with which others conduct their affairs, the greater the prudence with which we should conduct our own affairs.
The wing structure of the hornet, in relation to its weight, is not suitable for flight, but he does not know this and flies anyway.
Regret is useless in life. It's in the past. All we have is now.
The best way to get rid of the pain is to feel the pain. And when you feel the pain and go beyond it, you'll see there's a very intense love that is wanting to awaken itself.
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers β so many caring people in this world.
Meditation cannot be purchased and no one can give it to you. You have to achieve it. It is not something outer, it is something inner, a growth, and that growth comes through awareness.
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