Karma and Compassion

I was totally supposed to write this entry some 2 weeks back. But I kept delaying it and so now I have little to write. But first, I want to tell you guys to expect (possibly) shorter entries. I decided I should break my writing up so that my titles say more about the entry itself.

This title, which I saved as a blank post earlier in a bid to jolt my memory when I finally get to write, is doing no good. But I'll reflect on it from my current frame of mind. But I think it'll largely be on compassion.

I first thing I want to mentioned is the Tibetan term "tonglen". As far as I know, the term can be safely translated into "exchanging oneself for others" and involves the giving of one's merits/happiness for other people's suffering. Rather, it is to take on others' suffering. How is it, by any law of science or natural occurrence, possible, is a question I cannot answer. But I think at the gross level, it is very possible. Like one who pushes another away from the danger of being knocked by a oncoming car. At a subtler level, then one can take on others' misfortunes upon oneself. Again, there exists only circumstantial proof which is far from verifiable.

Stories of great spiritual beings who in their death seem to have experienced signs of many illnesses manifesting their entry and exit in their bodies. And as the stories go, at the very same time, people in the vicinity start to get cured of their ailments and severe degenerative diseases. I'm no intellectual. And I admit it takes quite a measure of blind faith to believe these stories.

But aren't our lives always inspired by events like that? When humans take on and accomplish tasks and ideals beyond what seems to be beyond our abilities? When an athlete breaks records which have never been broken for the past century. When a person gives up his/her life in service of others. When people heal the sick through prayer. When one survives and prospers despite having all odds stacked against him/her.

I might be making mountains out of this insignificant examples. But could our existence bother on the divine and infinite? Could our own nature be that very same potential? Could we be bigger than life?

I've no answers. But I know the inspiration will live on and affect many others.