Olives for Hope

One day, I understood.... There are people that spend much of their lives searching for enlightenment. They read the 'right' books, learn the ancient verses, quote the 'best' philosophers and know all the obscure mantras. But it is a wasted endeavor, if they never practice compassion (at least not with anyone outside their "tribe"). Enlightenment then just becomes an exercise in individualism, of seperatness. Compassion teaches us we are connected, in the good and in the bad. My neighbors sad heart is my sad heart, as is his glad heart. To seek enlighenment without compassion is like a mole hoarding the mirror, or the bull in the china shop blaming the broken goblet for being too fragile. I have often said (and others have said for me) that I cry too easily. Better that, than not being able to cry [for my fellow man] at all. If enlighenment is what you seek, first remember that everything you wish for yourself, you first must give.