Compassion is not an act that we do; It is what we are
with Enza Vita

Q: If who we truly are is perfection, then how can there be so much human suffering? I cannot detach myself from the geFnocide, murder, and starvation that exists in our world. Isn’t service and caring about others important?

EV: Why do you think you need to be detached and ignore the suffering in the world? Why do you think that you shouldn’t try to alleviate suffering wherever possible?

All these ideas have their basis in the assumption that you are separate from the suffering in the world. However, when you relax into that still, peaceful, conscious presence that you are, the natural compassion that is the essence of the true self will come into focus and your answers will become clear. You won’t be able to stop it. When we are able to perceive the true nature of objects, compassion is the natural response, the natural outpouring of awareness that sees things as they are. The vibration of this compassion will help to alleviate your own suffering and that of all beings.

Imagine it as removing the clouds from an overcast day and allowing the sunlight to stretch its rays towards the earth. This is what it is like when we clear up the clouds of misunderstanding. When we no longer see a division between an “us” and a “them,” we experience an unlimited well of compassion. We are no longer focusing on something that does not exist such as the way the world should be but obviously isn’t. We do not get caught in the trap of trying to fix things. We offer our help where it seems appropriate and allow it to take root where it needs to grow.

However, when the ego becomes involved, that compassion can be transmuted into a need that crosses appropriate boundaries whenever seeking to help others. It can give rise to an attitude of superiority that sees others as pitiful, and can become tyrannical and controlling to those it is trying to help. Whenever the ego initiates the actions, there is a tendency for jealousy, control, crisis, and hatred to arise.

When you realize that you are awareness, then an awakened compassion arises. There is a natural intelligence, love, and compassion that does not stem from the body-mind unit. Rather, it is a spontaneous expression coming from the same source that creates everything moment by moment.

This kind of compassion, having no need to assign itself to an object, will help you to locate the imbalance in any situation and appropriately address it.

You will not have to feel compassion for anything; it will simply be there. Not as being compassionate, but as being compassion itself. Compassion is not an act that we do; it is what we are.

We understand the play of appearances—and yet … we take action.

Enza Vita has studied for over 40 years with some of the greatest spiritual teachers of our age. Enza is the publisher of InnerSelf Newspaper and founder and director of the MahaShanti Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the awakening of all beings. Enza is also the author of the book Always Already Free and her latest book Instant Presence. Based on Enza’s own experience, Always Already Free and Instant Presence guides the reader from the seeking process through the integration of enlightenment into everyday life and reveals that spiritual enlightenment is not a faraway dream, but the ever-present reality always available here and now. For more information, visit www.enzavita.com