KARUNA
December can be such a challenging month for many of us. With the many holidays celebrated, along with the end of the year, we can feel overwhelmed by the emotional strain of expectations. We thought it would be a great month to focus our attention and practice on Karuna. The word Karuna comes from the Sanskrit “to do” or “to make.” It implies that we do what we can to help lesson other’s suffering, from a place of compassion and wisdom. The focus is on building our sense of understanding (empathy), while holding space for relief from suffering (hope) which develops true compassion.
Another way to understand Karuna is through the words compassion, tenderness, and devoted action to alleviate suffering. Compassion is a word derived from the Latin com (with) and passion (suffering.) As you begin to work with karuna you may first discover sympathy, the feeling of recognizing suffering that elicits pity or sadness for others. This is a low vibration feeling that often will take your energy down with the person who is suffering. If you can start to build hope for them, as you recognize their suffering, you begin to move from sympathy to empathy. Empathy is the ability to recognize suffering in others while able to maintain your own inner peace (your vibration remains strong) and develop hope for the alleviation of suffering. Finally, you develop wisdom and understanding for the suffering, hope for relief and a compelling sense to act in a way that will uplift the suffering. You have found compassion, Karuna.
One of the key elements of Karuna is the actions are always free of expectations for reward. It is a selfless action, as you recognize that you are no longer separate from others, but as part of all there is. You understand that no one person (including yourself) can be truly happy when others are unhappy.
The journey or path of Karuna begins when we become aware, begin to understand, empathize with what is going on around us, and develop compassion to act in a way that alleviates suffering. If is vital to develop wisdom (prajna) to help us know how and when to help others. Think of wisdom and compassion as 2 wings working together or 2 eyes seeing deeply as one. With wisdom our actions will become selfless action, free of being about ourselves. Take time to observe yourself. Is the help you wish to offer for your own benefit or for the benefit of others? Taking a breath or moment to be in stillness before action might help you discern the difference.
A wonderful way to deepen your practice with Karuna is a daily Karuna Meditation. Take time each day to breath in a centered, calm way while offering these intentions in 3 ways. First offer them for an individual you know is suffering, then for a group of people and finally to yourself. For each take time to breath slowly while repeating these words:
May you be free from pain and sorrow.
May you cultivate inner peace.
When doing it for yourself:
May I be free from pain and sorrow.
May I cultivate inner peace.
Remember you are not the person fixing anything but creating the space for others (and yourself) to rise up, discover and maintain inner peace, free of suffering. Let this month be focused on this practice. Let the transformation begin with you.