The Eyes of Compassion

For me one of the most powerful catalysts of compassion is a memory from when I was 23 years old. I had just graduated from college and was on a year-long spiritual pilgrimage to India. Following advice from other travelers, I had recently arrived at a bustling spiritual center in Andhra Pradesh called Prashanti Nilayam.

One morning along with tens of thousands of other seekers from all over India and around the world I sat quietly in meditation awaiting the arrival of Shri Satya Sai Baba, a revered teacher and philanthropist. As Sai Baba slowly approached, I was caught off guard by the sudden racing of my heart. While internally trying to contain the feeling of wanting to explode, Sai Baba turned to face the crowd and looked deeply into my eyes.

Although his gaze was soft and gentle, his eyes conveyed a sense of clairvoyance that revealed every thought, memory, and cell of my being. Within his raw exposure of everything that existed inside of me, I felt a warm embrace of love and compassion that brought tears to my eyes. I am seen and I am loved.

Ever since this exchange, I have revered how compassion can be given and received in the way we see one another.

As a reflective practice, I invite you to recall a moment when you have been seen through the eyes of compassion. Then, sustain the experience of being seen in this way and let your heart bathe in the feeling of care. As you allow this feeling to fill your being, consider someone else who could benefit from the eyes of compassion. If someone comes to mind, then mentally rehearse seeing them with compassion…

This month we invite you to explore this practice and ignite the inherent capacity to care for others and alleviate the distress of the world one gaze at a time.

I hope to see you soon,

Ryan