Compassion Quote by Joan Halifax
“Compassion has enemies, and those enemies are things like pity, moral outrage, fear.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Compassionate Living by Joan Halifax, 2016
Compassion can be opposed by pity, outrage, and fear, which act as defensive barriers.
In simple terms: Compassion faces resistance from negative emotions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and transform these barriers.
Themes
compassion
emotions
conflict
growth
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- social work
- activism
- personal healing
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you differentiate compassion from pity?
- What strategies reduce fear when practicing compassion?
A Different Perspective
Compassion may be misinterpreted as weakness.
![“We have been teaching together [with Kaz] now for more than twenty years in sesshins, in international travel programs in Japan and China, as well as intensives on Buddhism that focus on the work of Zen Master Dogen and Ryokan, as well as on many of the Mahayana sutras.” quote by Joan Halifax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a23/joan-halifax-11817_buddhism_we-have-been-teaching-together-with-kaz_210232.jpg)
![“[Kaz] is a great scholar, very funny - a true man of no rank!” quote by Joan Halifax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9d0/joan-halifax-11817_men_kaz-is-a-great-scholar-very-funny-a-true_589104.jpg)
![“I remember having a discussion with [Kaz] about his translation of the word shunyata as "boundlessness," instead of the more traditional "emptiness." I said: "Kaz, everyone is used to the word emptiness for shunyata. This might not sit well with people. He said: "Translator's prerogative!" Then he…” quote by Joan Halifax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/410/joan-halifax-11817_assuming_i-remember-having-a-discussion-with-kaz_727693.jpg)
