Embracing Compassion: A Dussehra Reflection on Inner Battles and Triumphs

Accepting the Circular Nature of Human Existence

Isn't it fascinating how we, as species, repeatedly fail to learn the lessons the universe tries to teach us? The universe must have wanted to teach us the same fundamental truths a gazillion times through festivals, stories, and sermons. Still, we can't learn them. It's tempting to consider the possibility that global forgetfulness is a good thing. The flame of hope might be extinguished if we recalled every lesson, memory, triumph, and failure.

“Hell goes round and round. In shape it is circular, and by nature it is interminable, repetitive, and nearly unbearable.” - Flann O'Brien

Lessons in Compassion from the Story of Bankei

Let us delve into the story of Bankei, the Zen Master, and his solitary meditation for weeks. A student was caught not once but twice in the act of theft. Bankei's response to the other students' demand for the thief's expulsion was wise and inspiring. "You, my wise brothers," he said, "know right from wrong." However, this lonely heart does not. Who else will help him if I still need to? The thief's tears of transformation washed away his evil intent.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” - Plato

Dussehra Is More Than Just a Festival

It's easy to get caught up in the epic struggle of good and evil amidst the grandeur and spectacle of Dussehra. Still, there's more to this than meets the eye. It is a gentle reminder that these myths and symbols are internal and external adventures. The struggles and eventual victories of excellent and evil reflect our inner battles.

Put your compassion to work!

Let's resolve to show compassion with reckless abandon this Dussehra. Let our empathy and understanding know no bounds. Let our kindness serve as a blazing lighthouse in the fervour of good conquering evil, leading us and others to safety.

Gandhi's Eternal Words of Wisdom

Gandhi remarked, "When I despair, I remember that throughout history, the way of truth and love have always won." Truth and love have triumphed, even in the face of tyrants and murderers. Let's consider what this means and how we can apply it to our lives and the world.

A Warmest Wish for Dussehra

May the fire that consumes the effigy of evil also warm our souls. May the triumph of good over evil represent a symbolic victory and a true and lasting inner triumph. Let's improve the world by cultivating compassion, tolerance, and optimism.

Igniting the Flame of Compassion, Happy Dussehra

We wish you a Dussehra filled with enlightenment, compassion, and unwavering faith in the ultimate triumph of love and truth. Let us rejoice in the ultimate victory of good over evil and the persistent success of the human spirit, enlightened and guided by compassion and wisdom.

“There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.” - Socrates

PS: Set aside your thoughts, let go of judgment, and in the joy of pure listening, let the world whisper the secrets you have never heard before.