Asking Quote by Marc Ian Barasch
“A friend told me of visiting the Dalai Lama in India and asking him for a succinct definition of compassion. She prefaced her question by describing how heart-stricken she'd felt when, earlier that day, she'd seen a man in the street beating a mangy stray dog with a stick. "Compassion," the Dalai Lama told her, "is when you feel as sorry for the man as you do for the dog."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Compassion Study, 2020
Compassion includes empathy for both humans and animals, recognizing shared suffering.
In simple terms: Feeling sorry for all beings.
Key Takeaway
Extend empathy beyond self.
Themes
compassion
empathy
interconnectedness
animal welfare
humanity
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- animal rescue
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
ethical behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice compassion daily?
- What limits your empathy?
A Different Perspective
May be hard to balance self‑care.
