DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - A question on compassion, suffering, and doing the right thing

**berdyanskdotsu** · 01-09-2012, 12:47 AM

Hi Pixies,

In addition to Kaarine's advice, I'll offer you my own thoughts.

I think when one finds onself in these sort of circumstances its good to be as patient, kind and helpful as possible - and some people benefit from another person just being a good listener.

However, you do need to make clear boundaries about not neglecting your own family in the process.

If you become friends again and you feel your friend needs professional counselling, then very gently suggest that to her.

When we practice loving kindness and compassion, we also save some for ourselves and accept the fact that while we're on the path, we sometimes make mistakes. Its not always possible to provide all the right answers for other peoples lives.

Can I suggest that you investigate Metta practice, which will be of benefit to you and also to the people you interact with.

Here's a very short video explaining it.

There's also a trascript of a talk 'Universal Loving Kindness' at the link

http://www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/article/215/

with kind wishes,

Aloka

01-09-2012, 12:47 AM	#3
berdyanskdotsu Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 428 Senior Member	Hi Pixies, In addition to Kaarine's advice, I'll offer you my own thoughts. I think when one finds onself in these sort of circumstances its good to be as patient, kind and helpful as possible - and some people benefit from another person just being a good listener. However, you do need to make clear boundaries about not neglecting your own family in the process. If you become friends again and you feel your friend needs professional counselling, then very gently suggest that to her. When we practice loving kindness and compassion, we also save some for ourselves and accept the fact that while we're on the path, we sometimes make mistakes. Its not always possible to provide all the right answers for other peoples lives. Can I suggest that you investigate Metta practice, which will be of benefit to you and also to the people you interact with. Here's a very short video explaining it. There's also a trascript of a talk 'Universal Loving Kindness' at the link http://www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/article/215/ with kind wishes, Aloka
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