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compassion shown out of ignorance. There are many such examples of this kind of compassion. This kind of compassion is not acceptable. It does not bring any benefit to others; on the contrary, it brings them harm. On account of it, the beneficiaries do not experience happiness; on the contrary, they experience sorrow. Therefore, always compassion should be born out of knowledge and sensible thinking. "Do the beneficiaries of my compassion get happiness or sorrow ?" You must think of this point before showing your kindness to others. You must have the right knowledge of the means by which you can remove the sorrows of others. If you do not have that kind of knowledge, you should not render any concrete help; it is enough if you merely think, “May he be freed from his sorrow!" You must have this lofty feeling.
THE THOUGHT OF THE SORROW OF OTHERS IN SHOWING COMPASSION
You must have great compassion in your heart for those who are in dire distress. The man, who has this kind of compassion does not care for his own sorrow and happiness; and does not think of them. He endeavours to remove the sorrows of others even by sacrificing his own happiness. He feels happy only by doing so. He does not worry thinking that he has lost his happiness in his attempt to help others.
THE UNIQUE CASE OF NIRALAJI
I have read about an incident that took place in the life of Niralaji, one of the great Hindi poets; and I have been profoundly influenced by his extraordinary compassion or kindness. Once, during a winter season, Niralaji lay shivering in the cold. The great Hindi poet, Mahadevi Varma saw Niralaji shivering in the cold. Her heart swelled with compassion. Soon, she got a woollen coat stitched for him and gave it to him. While giving the coat to him she said with great love and compassion, "This coat is not yours; it is mine. I have got it stitched for you. Therefore, without my consent, others should not use it. Only you should use it”.
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