J Krishnamurti on Compassion: View Point and Inspired Poem

View Point

The globally acclaimed thinker, philosopher, and author, J. Krishnamurti, asserts that compassion is not merely a cultivated trait or an emotional feeling. Instead, it represents a state of existence that emerges only when the 'self' and its psychological constructs—such as thought, attachment, divisions, and conflicts—have completely ceased to exist.He held that the mind and its contents are perpetually limited and fragmented, while compassion embodies a sense of wholeness. Therefore, compassion signifies a harmonious unity.

He perceived compassion as transcending pity, sympathy, service, and charitable deeds, which only serve to reinforce the divide between the giver and the recipient. For him, compassion is a 'total response' to life, marked by actions that are wholly devoid of motives, self-interest, fear, or the quest for power and pleasure.

Krishnamurti believed that certain psychological conditions must be relinquished for compassion to flourish, including a tranquil mind and the cessation of conflict. Compassion arises when we learn to exist independently of religions, gurus, beliefs, or personal conclusions. Attachment breeds psychological conflict, fostering ego, division, and fear. He was convinced that if humanity embraced this quality of compassion, wars would cease, and environmental destruction would be a thing of the past. Inspired Poem

Compassion's a quiet power, low and deep,

That bridges hearts where anger used to be.

Where war's harsh clamor softly falls asleep,

And kind love fosters peace in all, you and me

From suffering's dark depths to solace bright,

Compassion leads, a gentle, guiding hand,

To mend the world with love and gentle light,

And bring all strife to a peaceful, promised land.

It doesn't shout, it doesn't boast or claim,

But quietly works, like sunshine after rain.

It sees the hurt, and whispers someone's name,

And eases pain, again and yet again.

It is the cure, so tender and so mild,

That heals the conflicts tearing at the wild.

So let compassion be our guiding star,

To build a peaceful world, both near and far