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.
Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.
When we are working at something, we come down from our high logical horse and sniff around with our nose to the ground. Then we obliterate our traces in order to become more God-like.
Take the place and attitude to which you see your unquestionable right, and all men acquiesce.
You have to decide whether you want to make money or make sense, because the two are mutually exclusive.
False opinions are like false money, struck first of all by guilty men and thereafter circulated by honest people who perpetuate the crime without knowing what they are doing.
We learn our belief systems as very little children, and then we move through life creating experiences to match our beliefs. Look back in your own life and notice how often you have gone through the same experience.
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