Stephen Levine Compassion Quotations

It is not for the concept, but for the experience, that we use the term the Beloved. The experience of this enormity we falteringly label divine is unconditioned love. Absolute openness, unbounded mercy and compassion. We use this concept, not to name the unnameable vastness of being-- our greatest joy-- but to acknowledge and claim as our birthright the wonders and healings within.

Gratitude is the state of mind of thankfulness. As it is cultivated, we experience an increase in our "sympathetic joy," our happiness at another's happiness. Just as in the cultivation of compassion, we may feel the pain of others, so we may begin to feel their joy as well. And it doesn't stop there.

That which is impermanent attracts compassion. That which is not provides wisdom. (116)

Healing comes when we meet our wounded places with compassion.

When your fear touches someone’s pain, it becomes pity, when your love touches someone’s pain, it become compassion.