Expanding our Understanding of Compassion

Dates: March 2023: 06, 08, 10, 13, 15, 17 (Mon-Wed-Fri)
Time:  8:00 AM CST (Central Standard Time US), GMT-6
Check your local time
 

Online Zoom

 

Compassion is discussed throughout the theosophical literature, yet we rarely discuss the details of it. How do we learn to be compassionate? What does it require from us? Why should we be compassionate? This interactive course will delve into the various aspects of compassion and will include a combination of lectures, round-table discussions, meditations, and practice.

APPLICATION: click here

 

General Outline:

Day 1:  Introduction to Compassion

·         Head vs Heart discussion

·         Compassion from a spiritual perspective

Day 2: Defining Compassion

·         Compassion vs empathy vs sympathy

·         Joining with another individual compassionately

·         Compassion and karma

Day 3: Value of Compassion

·         Bodhisattva Path

Day 4: Understanding Self and Others

·         Individual journeys

·         Self-awareness and self-observation

·         Boundaries

Day 5: Exhibiting Compassion

·         Practical aspects of being compassionate

Day 6: Pulling it all Together

·         Practical interactions and compassion

·         Spirituality and Compassion

A FEW ONLINE COMPASSION RESOURCES:

Videos:

• “Neurophysiology of Compassion” by Dr. Jose’ Foglia: https://www.theosophy.world/resource/videos/neurophysiology-compassion
• “Buber in 10 Minutes” by Eric Dodson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Cr82mLhkw
• Interpersonal Effectiveness Extras: I-It vs. I-Thou Relationships by Dr. Jennifer May:
• Compassion and the true meaning of empathy by Joan Halifax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQijrruP9c4 
• The Highest Expression of Compassion by Krishnamurti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boopbKO5QD4 

Articles:

• Silent Watchers by G. de Purucker: https://www.theosophy.world/resource/articles/silent-watchers-g-de-purucker
• Compassion: Goal of Theosophy and the Spiritual Life by Abraham Oron: https://www.theosophyforward.com/articles/theosophy/1784-compassion-goal-of-theosophy-and-the-spiritual-life
• Compassion is Everywhere: https://www.theosophyforward.com/articles/theosophy/1075-compassion-is-everywhere
• Understanding the Neurology of Compassion by Aditi Subramaniam, Ph.D.: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-neuroscience-perspective/202102/understanding-the-neuroscience-compassion
• What Neuroscience can teach us about compassion by Carolyn Gregoire: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-neuroscience-can-tea_n_5268853
• Applying the Principles of Theosophy by Tim Boyd: https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/3748 and  https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/3850-viewpoint-applying-the-principles-part-2
• The Charter of Compassion by Betty Bland: https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/2102  See also the website for The Charter for Compassion: https://charterforcompassion.org/
• What is Compassion by Krishnamurti: https://kfoundation.org/what-is-compassion/

FACILITATOR

Barbara Hebert, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor. A third-generation Theosophist involved in local, regional, and national offices throughout her years of membership, Barbara currently serves as president of the Theosophical Society in America.