“Sometimes the unhappiness of others feels like a burden. We may become impatient, wondering how our brother can make the same mistake over and over again. Perhaps we think he should just get over his grief and get on with life. There are many times when the suffering of others can make us uneasy or frightened. In our discomfort, we may turn away from them.
Instead, whenever we see unhappiness we should use the compassion key. To be compassionate doesn’t necessarily mean that we cry when our brother cries or become angry in order to support our sister’s frustration. In the name of compassion there are times when the appropriate response is to deliver a strong piece of advice that is difficult to hear. However, behind our actions, we should cherish one overriding motive: the welfare of others. All actions should proceed from a place of caring and loving.”
Excerpted from Inside the Yoga Sutras by Rev Jaganath Carrerra