Empathy is the path and the effort of walking the path. We search for truth in gurus, but it has never been there. We search for truth in science - and we will be able to use it to do physical things - but the truth has always been inside of each of us. We have a gift. This gift allows us to imagine the lives of others. Most do not use this gift because they are frightened of it. It can be overwhelming, at first.
Does it matter that we absolutely and completely understand their position, thoughts and feelings? No. When I see a grieving mother whose newborn baby has died, it does not matter that I am not a mother. It does not matter that I have not lost this child. Empathy is not about HAVING someone else’s emotions, it is about IMAGINING someone else’s emotions.
Without empathy, Shakespeare would be meaningless. Without empathy, the movie industry would not exist. We like to “turn on” our feelings for a few minutes and then turn them off again. This approach has us destroying our planet. This approach has us killing countless trillions of others each year. This approach is the basis of homelessness, domestic violence and most of the ills we experience individually and collectively.
What is the alternative? Feeling all of the time? Yes.
“Compassion” means to suffer with - Saha Dukkha means the same thing.
A part of yourself - the most beautiful and divine - is kept subdued. You push those emotions down and try to keep them from controlling you, but they don’t exist to control you. They exist to guide the way to freedom - to liberation for us all. Your greatest gift is not what you might think it is. It is not playing the piano, your sporting abilities or your knowledge. Your greatest gift - and the greatest gift you can share with others - is your empathy.
Open your heart and liberation will follow.
May all beings be free from suffering!
Tūruapō
05 September 2026