Sunday, March 12, 2017

​Compassion In Action

SYNOPSIS: Compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling  us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Through acts of compassion, we cultivate living and being compassion.  ​

FEATURED MUSICIAN: Pamela Benton

PODCAST: 

​Sunday is the last lesson of our study of Karen Armstrong’s book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life.

Here is the Charter for Compassion upon which her work lies, which was written by leading thinkers from a variety of major faiths.

"The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling  us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves.

Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the center of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

We therefore call upon all men and women

• to restore compassion to the center of morality and religion;
• to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate;
• to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religious and cultures;
• to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity;
• to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies."

The above is Compassion In Action.  It is in this way, we cultivate living and being compassion.  

Our musicians are special guest Pamela Benton, Nick Halpin, drummer; Gary Buettner bass; Gwen Gathercoal, keyboardist; Todd Neel, percussion; along with song leaders, Mark Soss and Laura Wineteer.

Remember to turn your clocks forward an hour as we move into Day Light Savings.

Be gentle and compassionate with your precious Self,

Deidre