A complete guide to how compassion can change your life | The ultimate way to practice love, learned from the teachings of the Buddha

🌸 Introduction: What is Mercy?

Hello. Today I would like to talk about the core of Buddhism,mercy" I will explain the concept in an easy-to-understand way.

When we hear the word mercy, many people may think of "kindness" or "sympathy."

but,The compassion that the Buddha taught is a much deeper concept with practical power..

Compassion is not simply feeling sorry for someone.
it isIt is the mindset of feeling the suffering of others as your own, wishing from the heart to free them from that suffering, and acting to achieve that goal..

💝 The Two Aspects of Mercy

Ji: The heart that gives happiness

"compassion" is the desire to bring happiness to all living beings.

This is similar to the love a mother has for her child.

Examples:Let's say you see someone on the train who looks tired.

Offer your seat casually to make that person feel a little more comfortable.

This is "compassion" is put into practice.

It is a pure heart that simply wishes for the other person to be happy without expecting anything in return..

Sorrow: The desire to remove suffering

"sadness" is the desire to relieve the suffering of those who are suffering.

This goes beyond mere sympathy; it is a deep sense of empathy.

Examples:When a colleague at work fails and is feeling down

Instead of blaming the person, try to understand their feelings and think of a solution together.

This is "sadness" is put into practice.

🤔 The difference between mercy and compassion

Although many people tend to confuse mercy and compassion, they are very different things..

🌟 The Four Stages of Compassion

The Buddha gave a step-by-step method for cultivating compassion.Four Infinite Minds"It is called "

1. Infinite Compassion

First, start with compassion for your loved ones.I sincerely wish happiness for my family and friends..

2. Infinite Compassion

Next, develop empathy for those who are suffering.The ability to feel the pain of others as your ownvinegar.

3. Infinite Joy

It is the heart that rejoices in the happiness of others as if it were your own.It's not jealousy, it's a genuine celebration of other people's success..

4. The Mind of Immeasurability

It is a heart that loves all beings equally.It is a state of mind that goes beyond likes and dislikes and has fair love for all people..

🧘‍♀️ How to Practice Compassion

Compassion Breathing: A Basic Technique for Balancing the Mind

In order to cultivate compassion, it is important to first calm the mind.

We will introduce you to a simple and effective breathing technique that is a modern adaptation of the breathing techniques taught by Buddha.

4-6 Breathing Practice

[Basic method】

1. Improve your posture
   • Sit in a chair or stand comfortably
   • Keep your back straight
   • Relax your shoulders
2. Breathe in for 4 seconds
   • Breathe in slowly through your nose
   • Count in your mind: "1, 2, 3, 4"
   • I feel my stomach expanding
3. Exhale in 6 seconds
   • Breathe quietly through your mouth
   • Count in your mind: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6"
   • I feel my stomach lurch
4. Repeat 3 times
   • Continue this breath three times
   • Once you get used to it, you can increase the number to 5 or 10.

The effects of breathing exercises

• 🧘‍♀️ It calms the mind.: Deep breathing makes the parasympathetic nervous system dominant
• 😌 Anger subsides: Effective as a first aid when you feel emotional
• 🎯 Increased concentration: Perfect as a preparation for loving-kindness meditation
• 💆‍♀️ Stress reduction: Doing this on a daily basis reduces overall stress

Examples of use in real situations

When you are treated unfairly at work

• Don't argue right away. First,4-6 Breathing methodDo
• Once you have calmed down, try to think about the other person's point of view.
• Have compassion and think, "Maybe this person is also under some kind of stress."

When you are about to get into a fight with your family

• Before you get emotional4-6 Breathing methodTake a breather
• Remember the compassionate thought of "I wish this person happiness"
• Create a calm environment for discussion

When you get irritated on the train

• 4-6 Breathing methodGet your mind in order
• Have a desire to wish happiness on those around you
• Be prepared to practice small acts of kindness (such as giving up your seat or showing someone the way)

🌅 Morning Loving-kindness Meditation

Practice loving-kindness meditation for five minutes every morning in the following order.4-6 Breathing methodPlease calm your mind.

1. Self-compassion
   "May I be happy."
   "May I be freed from my suffering."
2. Mercy for loved ones
   "I hope you're happy."
   "May you be freed from your suffering"
3. Mercy for those who know
   "May all my acquaintances be happy"
4. Mercy for the difficult
   "I hope that person will be happy too."
   "May he also be freed from his suffering."
5. Compassion for all living things
   "May all living things be happy"

🌈 Practicing compassion in everyday life

In relation to family

When a family member fails, instead of blaming them,How Can I Help?" Think about it.

In a workplace relationship

When my coworker seems busy,Is there anything I can help you with?" I call out to him.

Mercy for strangers

Offering your seat on the train, answering kindly when someone asks for directions, saying "thank you" he says.

✨ Changes that compassion brings

💚 Change of Heart

• Less anger, more peace
• Feel less lonely and more connected
• Feeling less guilty about yourself

🤝 Changes in relationships

• Less conflict, more harmony
• You will be able to see the good side of others
• Deepening trust

🌟 Whole life changes

• The meaning of life becomes clear
• You will be able to notice small joys
• Gain the strength to remain unfazed even in the face of difficulties

🚫 Dispelling the misconceptions about mercy

The misconception that "compassion is weakness"

Compassion is not weakness. It is the strength to control your emotions and act on behalf of others.

The misconception that "compassion is a loss"

Acting with compassion may seem like a loss at first glance, but it brings an even more valuable reward: peace of mind.

The misconception that "compassion is too religious"

Compassion is not a religious concept. It is the purest form of natural human affection..

🧠 The Scientific Basis of Compassion

Modern neuroscience research has shown that practicing loving-kindness meditation has the following benefits:

• 📉 Reduction in stress hormones
• 🛡️ Improved immunity
• 😊 Activating the parts of the brain that feel happy
• 🤗 Increased empathy for others

📖 A Tale of Mercy: The Story of an Old Woman

Once upon a time, there lived a poor old woman in a village. She shared her meager amount of food every day with a stray dog in her neighborhood.

The villagers saidTa

"It's foolish to give your dog food when you don't have any yourself"

But the old woman replied.

"This child is hungry, just like me. My happiness cannot exist without this child's happiness."

One day, the old woman fell ill and fell ill..

Then the whole village rushed to help her..

Those who were touched by her compassion returned the compassion in turn..

The old woman said

"I am the richest person in the world because I am surrounded by so much love."

🌱 Daily habits to cultivate compassion

1. The Diary of Mercy

- Every day, write down a small kindness you do for someone.

2. Gratitude Practice

-Find three things you're grateful for every day.

3. Put yourself in their shoes

When you disagree with someone, think about why they think that way.

4. Practice forgiveness

- Practice forgiving small mistakes and unpleasant events.

5. Words of Mercy

- Be conscious of using words that show consideration for the other person, such as "Thank you," "It's okay," and "Thank you for your hard work."

6. Daily breathing exercises

When you wake up in the morning, before you go to bed, or when you feel stressed4-6 Breathing methodPut this into practice.

🌸 When the flower of compassion blooms

Cultivating compassion is like planting flowers in a garden.

It starts out as just a tiny seed.

By continuing to water it daily (practice), it will eventually produce beautiful flowers.

The scent of the flowers will soothe not only you but also the hearts of those around you..

The compassion of one person will eventually make the flower of compassion bloom in the hearts of many people..

🌍 Conclusion: A Life of Compassion

Compassion is not a special ability that only special people have.

It resides in everyone's heart and is the most beautiful quality of a human being.

Modern society seems full of competition and conflict.

But that is why compassion is all the more important.

If each of us cultivates compassion, the world will become a more beautiful and livable place.

Why not start practicing small acts of kindness today?

First, start with the 4-6 breathing exercise to calm your mind.

I look forward to the day when the seed of compassion in your heart will blossom into a beautiful flower..

I hope that the scent of these flowers will bring hope and peace to the hearts of many people..

Living with compassion is the greatest gift we can give to the world.

May today be the beginning of your journey of compassion.

Nihon Blog Village