In our Wholeness Paradigm for Religious Life, we mentioned that each of the six dimensions have their highest manifestation, that is, the most important quality that a person must practice to show that he or she is adept at that dimension. Consequently, we saw that the highest manifestation of the physical dimension is Consistency and the same for cognitive dimension is Perspective Taking. In our previous issues we had hinted that holistic religious are those who practice consistency in their personal life and perspective taking in their intellectual interactions.
Here in this issue, I present before you the highest manifestation and the most significant quality of the emotional dimension, which is Compassion. This quality is the pinnacle of all human emotions. If we were to form a pyramid with all emotions placed one top of the other, we can be sure that compassion would be at the summit. All great religious leaders and national heroes have reiterated the significance of this marvellous human quality. Dalai Lama would often affirm, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” Compassion is the hallmark of all great people and the defining quality of those who profess to live for others. Lao Tzu remarked, “I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” Mother Teresa would use such effusive words as this; The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action.” Dr. Abdul Kalam considered it to be the hallmark of all great men and women, when he said, “Great teachers emanate out of knowledge, passion and compassion.” In fact, we might add that the very purpose of human living is to show compassion to those in need.
Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb
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