Continuing our exploration of Sanatan Dharma, we took a new look at the second principle, kshama, meaning "to bear patiently, to pardon, to forgive".
As last week, the paper includes quotations from a variety of sources, including bringing together ideas from H.H. and Mr Ouspensky. In particular, it presents some simple and down-to-earth ideas on how the practice of kshama can help both individuals and the Study Society as a whole towards a state of unity.
The idea of seeing the negative characteristics of others reflected in ourselves aroused much interest and discussion. One person asked whether the same applied to characteristics that we most admired in others. However the lack of a specific example prevented further exploration of this interesting idea.
There was some discussion on the difference between empathy, sympathy and compassion. Empathy and sympathy seemed easily distinguished. Several members of the group equated empathy with the concept of 'external considering' described in the quotation from Mr Ouspensky. But what is the difference between empathy and compassion?
Some members of the group felt that forgiveness generally involves putting oneself in a superior position to someone else and that empathy is what we should be aiming for - getting "I" out of the way and feeling at one with those around us. Then the idea of or need for forgiveness simply doesn't arise.
Sanatan Dharma - Kshama
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