Aegle: what do you mean by compassion? How does it work in practice?
I know that if I follow the flow of my life, there come occasions to decide whether I close down or open up, give or not give, share or not share. The simplest examples are beggars. With beggars, I surely can give them some coins. That's what they expect. But if I'd allow myself to be led by what I call true compassion, I would perhaps try something more, like bringing them to my own home, wash them, give them new clothes and such stuff! Which is scary, because if I followed this instinct, then sooner or longer I would surely destroy my current family life.
Sometimes I feel that if I really opened up, I would easily become a slave of others, taking responsibility for something that is not my business. Jesus Christ had taken the most extreme position in this regard: he said that we should give away everything we have (and follow God, instead). I can feel the majesty, the grandiose possibilities in this call, but I am too afraid to really do it.
So, what is selfless compassion practice, in everyday life?