“It is important for us to stay in touch with the suffering of the world. We need to nourish that awareness through many means - sounds, images, direct contact, visits, and so on -- in order to keep compassion alive in us.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
When we are mindful of suffering compassion flows within us and gives us energy for our actions. Suffering can also arise from physcial maladies, emotional trauma and in our minds in the form of narrow views. Attachment to our views is the greatest impediment to the spiritual path. When we are so entangled that it is no longer possible to be open to truth we suffer. If we are caught up in beliefs in doctrines and dogma we suffer. Mindfulness can transform us and therefore transform those we come in contact with.
It is through meditation that the "five spiritual faculties" are cultivated: faith, effort, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. As we cultivate these spirtiual faculties within ourselves we begin to touch others who are chosen to cross our spirtual paths.
