Clipmarks | Compassion Clips

Befriending Iraqi children is crucial, major says

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:59:06 GMT

clipped by: missjackson

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (BP)--During his deployment in Iraq, Air Force Maj. Chris Gay learned firsthand that a key component of succeeding in the war is befriending Iraq's youth and showing them a level of kindness and goodwill they may never encounter otherwise.

During that time, he visited the largest of eight internally displaced persons camps in Iraq. The camp housed more than 2,500 Iraqis who fled their homes during terrorist and sectarian violence.

Clip Source: www.bpnews.net

When he discovered the children there didn't have sufficient clothing and blankets to cope with the winter weather, Gay organized a campaign to have his Sunday School class at Mountain View Baptist send boxes of garments that he could pass out to the children.

"I have two kids myself, so I had compassion for the kids," he told Baptist Press.

In the process of completing what he dubbed Operation Warm Winter, Gay said he gained a better understanding of the Iraqis living in the camp.

"We are making a tremendous difference," he said

Zen teacher Barry Graham: When you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:51:07 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: the-urban-monk.livejournal.com

The Buddha Dharma is either true or it isn't. If it's true, then the character flaws of the teacher don't turn it into a lie. If it's not true, then the wonderful, perfect, fresh, fragrant, shiny character of the teacher can't turn it into something true. Dharma teachers don't really teach, because you can't teach anyone anything that they don't already know. All a Dharma teacher can do is help you to uncover your own perfect wisdom, your own flawless clarity, the Buddha that you are and have always been.

Buddhism is not belief in magic or superstition, and it's not devotion to gurus. It's pulling your sleepy body and mind out of bed early on cold mornings, getting on a cushion and doing zazen. It's embodying the precepts, living with compassion, humility and gratitude. It's swallowing the entire phenomenal universe whole while simultaneously being swallowed by it. It's realizing that the source of all suffering is attachment to self. It's paying attention.

Clip Source: www.livejournal.com

Tags: buddhism

Howard Zinn: How to not lose hope when news is bleak

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:50:12 GMT

clipped by: masbury
clipper's remarks: A historian reminds us that even at its worst, history is a story not only of evil, but of human beings who struggled "magnificently" against evil, and gradually altered the systems in which they lived.

Clip Source: masbury.wordpress.com

To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something.

It is that long-term change that I think we must see if we are not to lose hope. Pessimism becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy; it reproduces itself by crippling our willingness to act.

If we remember those times and places- and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act

the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future

The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory

Tags: zinn, hope

Clip: Laudville

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:58:51 GMT

clipped by: altaloman

Clip Source: www.tedprize.org

Karen's Wish:

"I wish that you would help with the creation, launch and propagation of a Charter for Compassion, crafted by a group of leading inspirational thinkers from the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and based on the fundamental principles of universal justice and respect."

Karen Armstrong

deficiencies or non-compassion

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:51:23 GMT

clipped by: zadoz
clipper's remarks: or raceism

Clip Source: www.latimes.com

Times acquires tape excerpts showing King-Harbor staff ignoring dying patient

It made news around the world, hard evidence of an American public hospital's indifference to a dying patient.

Edith Isabel Rodriguez writhed for 45 minutes on the floor of the emergency room lobby at Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital as staffers walked past and a janitor mopped around her. Her boyfriend called 911 from a pay phone outside the hospital, pleading futilely for help.

"I think it reflects deficiencies in the human character," he said, pointing to historical examples in which bystanders stood by as tragedies unfolded.

"If something has been leaked inappropriately, I would want to know how that happened and who did it," said Roger Granbo, assistant county counsel.

"There are court orders saying this stuff should not be out there," he said.

Tags: hospitals

Rights of Social Animals

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:18:54 GMT

clipped by: dmccluredvm
clipper's remarks: I agree that you can't have just one!

Clip Source: www.timesonline.co.uk

New Swiss law protects rights of 'social' animals

Under a new Swiss law enshrining rights for animals, dog owners will require a qualification, anglers will take lessons in compassion and horses will go only in twos.

The new regulation stipulates that aquariums for pet fish should not be transparent on all sides and that owners must make sure that the natural cycle of day and night is maintained in terms of light. Goldfish are considered social animals, or Gruppentiere in German.

Anglers will also be required to complete a course on catching fish humanely, with the Government citing studies indicating that fish can suffer too.

One tabloid newspaper has accused the Government of pandering to the needs of guinea-pigs while ignoring more important animal issues, such as its failure to enforce a ban on dangerous dogs.

Tags: pets, animal, animal rights, animal protection, social

Endurance

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:56:21 GMT

clipped by: phokakb
clipper's remarks: Endurance

It has been raining heavily. But the rain has stopped, and water streaks on the glass starting to dry up form into various shapes of raindrops.

Someone is watching the room through the window and notices an orchid gracefully blooming in a pot.

The orchid is a special flower which unlike other plants blossoms without wilting for many many weeks. Here it represents hope and endurance. The orchid feels the watcher’s burden and suffering. That is why out of thin air in the dry room the rain starts dripping inside on the table creating a symbol of a different dimension – the dimension of empathy.

The raindrops on the window represent pain and tears. When we are lonely or desperate we need someone to show their compassion. We need an embrace, a kind word, or an understanding glance. Even during the worst of times we should remember that there is always tomorrow, there is always someone who cares, and the rain will stop soon…
We need to persevere and patiently wait for

Clip Source: www.artakiane.com

Meet the Voices (inside your head, that is)

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:56:44 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: You don't need to try to erase the voices or drive them away, just be aware of them and, most importantly, don't believe what they say.

Clip Source: livingcompassion.org

We love bringing fun and laughter to the practice of conscious, compassionate awareness. In that spirit, we have created a cartoon series called “The Voices,” referring, of course, to the voices in our heads. We will illustrate the nearly endless stream of chatter, judgment, criticism, daydreams, opinions, and aimless wanderings that we hear day in and day out. Rather than taking these voices seriously, these light-hearted cartoons will help us simply notice “The Voices” with humor.

So in the spirit of joy and compassion, we offer this first episode.

Tags: funny, cartoon, living-compassion

Garden blessing stone

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:41:12 GMT

clipped by: ggfenway

Clip Source: shop.therainforestsite.com

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Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer), Om Mani Padme Hum, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion.

Our Om Mani Garden Blessing Stone is hand-carved from beautiful, earthy slate, and adds a quiet spiritual presence to indoor and outdoor spaces. Place near a grouping of plants, some comfortable seating, and a water feature/tabletop fountain to create your own meditative sanctuary!

Blessing stone measures 4.25" x 7.75" (10.8 x 19.7 cm) and has a 0.25" (0.6 cm) thickness. Includes two small holes for mounting on walls. If placed outdoors, expect normal weathering. Handmade in and fairly traded from Nepal.

International Shipping Available

Unimportance

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:27:30 GMT

clipped by: Kreated
clipper's remarks: Wow

Clip Source: www.taoteching.org

All the world says,
"I am important;
I am separate from all the world.
I am important because I am separate,

Were I the same, I could never be important.

"Yet here are three treasures
That I cherish and commend to you:
The first is compassion,
By which one finds courage.
The second is restraint,
By which one finds strength.
And the third is unimportance,

By which one finds influence.

Those who are fearless, but without compassion,
Powerful, but without restraint,
Or influential, yet important,
Cannot endure.

Tags: tao

Catholic-Muslim committee finds agreement on violence and religion

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:56:58 GMT

clipped by: Efrain Alvarado

Clip Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com

After both sides talking about their religious teachings on the topic, five separate points were agreed upon.

1. From the inherent dignity of each human being stem fundamental rights and duties.

2. Justice is a priority in our world. It requires, beyond the implementation of the existing legal provisions, the respect of the fundamental needs of individuals and peoples through an attitude of love, fraternity and solidarity. There can be no true and lasting peace without justice.

3. Peace is a gift from God and also requires the commitment of all human beings, and particularly believers, who are called to be vigilant witnesses to peace in a world afflicted by violence in many forms.

4. Christians and Muslims believe that God is compassionate and therefore they consider it their duty to show compassion towards every human person, especially the needy and the weak.

5. Religions, if authentically practiced, effectively contribute in promoting brotherhood and harmony in the human family.

Tags: catholic, muslim, religion, god, peace, violence

The meaning of true community

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:08:22 GMT

clipped by: tidbit2
clipper's remarks: some of this can be seen in operation on this online community

Clip Source: en.wikipedia.org

The meaning of true community

Inclusivity, commitment and consensus: Members accept and embrace each other, celebrating their individuality and transcending their differences

Realism: Members bring together multiple perspectives to better understand the whole context of the situation

humble, rather than one-sided and arrogant.

Contemplation: Members examine themselves

self-aware of the world outside

the world inside

and the relationship

between

A safe place

share their vulnerability, heal themselves, and express who they truly are.

personal disarmament

the rules for peacemaking

compassion

respect f

can fight gracefully

resolve conflicts with wisdom and grace

listen and understand,

respect

’gifts

limitations

together rather than against each other

all leaders

spirit of community itself that leads and not any single individual.

spirit:

true spirit of community is the spirit of peace, love, wisdom and power

collective self or as the manifestation of a Higher Will.

Tags: community

Why do displays of compassion differ between East and West?

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:28:18 GMT

clipped by: gingembre
clipper's remarks: I am trying to understand

A bit more: "In many Asian countries, favors invariably create obligations, which is perhaps why people are sometimes disinclined to interfere in the problems of others. You are obliged to take care of your family, your friends, or even your fellow countrymen. But the idea of universal charity is too abstract, and smacks of the kind of unwelcome interference that Western imperialists — and the Christian missionaries who followed them — practiced in the East for too long.

The notion of "Asian values," promoted mostly by Singaporean official scribes, was partly a critique of universalist Western claims. Asians, according to this theory, have their own values, which include thrift, deference to authority, the sacrifice of individual to collective interests, and the belief that countries should not stick their noses into others' affairs. Hence, the hesitant response of Southeast Asian governments — and public opinion — to the Burmese disaster."

see source

Clip Source: search.japantimes.co.jp

Why are French, British and American warships, but not Chinese or Malaysian warships, sitting near the Burmese coast loaded with food and other necessities for the victims of Cyclone Nargis?

Why has the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) been so slow and weak in its response to a natural calamity that ravaged one of its own members?

are Europeans and Americans simply more compassionate than Asians?

Given the West's record of horrendous warfare and often brutal imperialism, this seems unlikely

Buddhism stresses compassion and mercy as much as Christianity does. Indifference to suffering is not inherent to any Asian culture.

there may be cultural differences in understanding how compassion should be applied

The ideal of universal equality and rights does owe something to the history of Western civilization

There is, so far, no Asia-wide institution to protect the human rights of Asians, let alone mankind

In many Asian countries, favors invariably create obligations

Tags: asia, values, humanitarian aid, asean

Character Qualities

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:57:53 GMT

clipped by: betweenthetrees

Clip Source: www.bloglines.com

49 Character Qualities

Alertness, Attentiveness, Availability, Benevolence, Boldness, Cautiousness,Compassion,

Contentment, Creativity, Decisiveness, Deference, Dependability, Determination, Diligence,

Discernment, Discretion, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Faith, Flexibility, Forgiveness, Generosity,

Gentleness, Gratefulness, Honor, Hospitality, Humility, Initiative, Joyfulness, Justice, Loyalty,

Meekness, Obedience, Orderliness, Patience, Persuasiveness, Punctuality, Resourcefulness,

Responsibility, Security, Self-Control, Sensitivity, Sincerity, Thoroughness, Thriftiness,

Tolerance, TruthfulnessVirtue, Wisdom

These Names Have Never Been Spoken in a U.S. Court

Fri, 30 May 2008 23:01:18 GMT

clipped by: arifsali

Clip Source: www.ipsnews.net

"My name is Ahmed Mohammed," she told police after her arrest outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington in January.

On Thursday, in a courtroom in the U.S. capital, she has -- at her own insistence -- been charged under that name, although her real one is Sherrill Hogen.

"Torture is a product of a sick society," Hogen told the DC Superior Court, "Of leaders bloated with power and fear, and is the antithesis of human goodness, compassion and love. I don't think I have a choice about where to put my energies."

"We came to the Supreme Court building because it has jurisdiction over the [primary] issue about which we knew there were violations of justice," she said to the judge Thursday. "[That is] the denial of habeus corpus to the prisoners held by the U.S. at Guantanamo."

Ashley Casale, a student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, expressed the same sentiments.

"I am 19 -- the youngest person in this courtroom -- and I come on behalf of all the prisoners at Guantanamo

Tags: human rights, law