Help Others Who Are Suffering... (quote, translation, life)

[Kerby W-R]

Thus, the suffering of everyone
Should be dispelled, and here there's no debate.
To free myself from pain means freeing all;
Contrariwise, I suffer with the pain of beings.
-from the Bodhicharyavatara by Shantideva

We might think, "If I meditate on compassion and think of the suffering of others, it will only add to the intense pain I already have." We only think like this because we are narrow-minded. If we do not want to help beings, then their suffering will be endless. But if we can develop a little compassion and make an effort to dispel the suffering of others, then that suffering will have an end. Without our taking the responsibility to help others, there can be no limit to suffering. When we develop a broad mind and feel compassion for others, this is vastly beneficial. Any small difficulties we might experience are worthwhile.
--from A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night by Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, translated by The Padmakara Translation Group, Foreword by Tulku Pema Wangyal
* * *

[Mattie Jo]

Kerby,

In what way do you think Buddha wishes us to despell the sufferings of others?

[Kerby W-R]

We have many different meditational practices where you are able to help someone else who is suffering. The original post is saying we should not be afraid to bring a little of the suffering that others may have in order to help them. You would be surprised at how effective these practices are. We must always exercise compassion for others.

[Mattie Jo]

How do buddhists exercise compassion for others?

[Kerby W-R]

You can practice compassion in many ways. You could start by chanting the mantra of compassion Om Mani Padme Hum. You can even do this silently if you wish. You will notice how more compassionate you've become just after doing this for a while. You can meditate on compassion i.e.
doing for others , always dedicate your prayers and your merit for the benefit of others. Always try to be mindful of others and help whenever you are able.
The more compassion you give in your life for others the better your life will become. A selfish person who runs out of things to give says..."I don't have anything left for me." A compassionate person says "I don't have anything left to give. "

[june 7th]

Originally Posted by jessaka

How do buddhists exercise compassion for others?

By following The Eightfold Path.

[Kerby W-R]

Absolutely.

[Fat Freddy]

Originally Posted by Kerby W-R

You can practice compassion in many ways. You could start by chanting the mantra of compassion Om Mani Padme Hum. You can even do this silently if you wish.

I'm sure the hungry homeless people living under the freeway will appreciate all this compassion that you're growing within yourself.

[Kerby W-R]

If you have the ability to comprehend the above posts you'll see that everything we do is for the benefit of others including those homeless
under a bridge. We dedicate the merit of our practice to all beings.
I also do help the homeless whenever I am able as I would hope that
you do as well.

[Fat Freddy]

Originally Posted by Kerby W-R

I also do help the homeless whenever I am able as I would hope that you do as well.

Well no, I don't.

But, now that I know that I can do it by sitting on the floor and talking to myself, maybe I will become more compassionate.