Understanding compassion in order to act…

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 Post Two of series  “It is not enough to be compassionate, you must act.”14th Dalai Lama

As we embark upon our school summer reading assignments centered on the theme-compassion, I find it important to contemplate what it is we want to “do” with this theme when we return back to school in August. Do our students know what compassion is? How are we going to guide students and adults from 4 years old on, to reflect and ponder upon some of the profound ideas and excruciating challenges presented in the books?  How do we ensure that this community journey leads us beyond simply reflecting upon a set of moving stories?

Webster’s online dictionary defines compassion as, “1. A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering. 2. The humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it.”

Thus far I have read two and a half books on the list, and I do believe both through reading and reflection, readers will achieve an “awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering.”  I have doubts about how “deep” the awareness will be, and although readers may “want” to do something about it, will they? This is not a defensive or critical statement on the selected theme, it is simply a push to encourage others to think beyond the story line, and move toward stimulating change. If we have between 1,200 and 2,500 people pondering, thinking, and exploring the ideas that surface in these stories, this certainly may lead toward a deep understanding of compassion, as well as serve as a catalyst of societal change. However, how can the educators of our community instill within these students and among ourselves a sense of urgency to use the knowledge gained to act and promote change.

I will reflect upon the books that I read as I complete them, however, so far I have learned that in order to attain this “deep awareness…for another’s suffering,” first  you must experience it, be a part of it, and make it your reality. Second, understanding compassion most likely will include a connection to the world you are experiencing as well as an ongoing relationship with the people within that reality.  In the world we live in this is important.  The road toward a socially just and equitable society is a long and bumpy one with many detours. As we read and explore these moving stories, how can we pave a road toward social justice and ensure that each reading does not become just a bump along the way…….