Compassion

Osho Books in Print

About Compassion

In this tenth volume of the popular Insights for a New Way of Living series, Osho examines the nature of compassion from a radically different perspective. He points out that “passion” lies at the root of the word, and then proceeds to challenge assumptions about what compassion really is. Many so-called acts of compassion, he says, are tainted by a subtle sense of self-importance and desire for recognition. Others are based in the desire not really to help others, but to force them to change. Using stories from the life of Jesus, Buddha, and the world of Zen, Osho shows how the path to authentic compassion arises from within, beginning with a deep acceptance and love of oneself. Only then, says Osho, does compassion flower into a healing force, rooted in the unconditional acceptance of the other as he or she is. Compassion includes an original, 120 minute talk by Osho on DVD. This visual component enables the reader to experience the direct wisdom and humor of Osho straight from the source.

Chapter Titles

Preface
Part One: Compassion, Energy and Desire
Compassion is Love Come of Age
Meditation the Flower and Compassion the Fragrance
A Desire is a Desire is a Desire – Responses to Questions
Part Two: Sheep’s Clothing – What Compassion is Not
Loving Kindness and Other Delusions of Grandeur
The Zen Master and the Thief – A Parable of Forgiveness
Hearts and Minds – Responses to Questions
Part Three: Compassion in Action
Don’t Be a Lawyer, Be a Lover
Crime and Punishment
Matters of Life and Death – Responses to Questions
Part Four: The Healing Power of Love
Only Compassion is Therapeutic
Unconditionally Value-Free: The Compassion of Zen