Compassion Always

Our parents are the first people, who show us compassion. We grow with compassion, then becoming the beacon of compassion ourselves. We, religiously learn about this compassion and then when we die. We are told that, compassion is what we take with us or leave behind. What is this "compassion"?

I was given the privilege to partake in a ceremony this weekend, which has compelled me to write my thoughts, so that it is engraved as my true purpose on this earth as a human being. It began with a long drive at 3am to Port Dickson. At first, it began as a chore but then, it begun to damn on me that it was not.

It was late one evening, on a working day that I get a call of the demise of a close relative. The question was to bathe the body in the hospital or take it back home and perform the rituals? This ritual, is not a task that is borne out of religious scriptures or the vedas. It is a simple act of compassion. Giving the deceased, the respect and honor to go in dignity. It is an act out of compassion, we use, oil and Shikakai (Acacia concinna) which is a traditional shampoo that does not need a conditioner and an anti-dandruff agent all in one. The oil is to make the body shine like it was still alive. This is done out of compassion for the deceased, and for the compassion shown by the deceased during their life. 

Many question, why 8 days, 16 days and the longest 31 days for mourning? Really, it is a question of how long your compassion needs to mourning the passing of the deceased. It can be half a day too or 64 days, but how long is it for you, is the real question? The desire not to eat meat or voraciously consume anything, it is because of the loss of a compassionate person. The bereavement is a result of the compassion shown by the deceased. We are tied by this invisible string that compels our heart to question our compassion, when we are faced with the crossroads of life and death. 

Food is cooked and brought everyday for everyone to share, the bereavement process is reduced and the compassion expanded. There are light moments shared, after a solemn prayer to commemorate the compassionate one. New bonds and relationships are strengthened, the idea of compassion becomes more appreciated and fun. The willingness to share deepens as the bonds of old are renewed. 

Although, each funeral pyre is acted out according to the fundamental believe systems of each religion. Since, Saivaite cremate, which to them, an act of compassion, freeing the soul from all attachment. Although It may be seen otherwise to others. In all religions, we have the same message being repeated over and over again. The act may vary but the higher attainment is always the same, compassion.

All religions ultimately, reach out to create more compassionate souls. Don't fault the seeker, no matter how subverted their path to compassion maybe. There are limitations within the human mind that can be exploited for the gain of a few unworthy. However long this slavery maybe, the mind will always come back to being compassionate. No one on this earth can survive without showing compassion or getting compassion at some point.

I hail Mr. Sim Siak Hong, for his compassion. He has shown the world that compassion really can solve problems and demand respect. Now, I have another reason to drive to Kuantan, for the compassion this great soul had shown. Compassion to him is a real object that can be utilized while one is still alive. He shall always be remembered in the mouths of men as the compassionate one.

Compassion, is truly the beacon of a human being.