Compassion should be the driving force in life

A NUMBER of incidents in the past weeks have emphasised the need for people to be more compassionate.

In the case of the woman who was seen berating the MPSJ council officer, I agree with Terry G, “In defence of irate people” (The Star, Sept 12), that we should not jump the gun and be judgemental towards others. As such, we don’t need to quickly share videos on social media with the sole intent of embarrassing anyone as we do not know what he or she is going through.

In another letter, “Take a minute to change a life” (Sept 11), the Befrienders KL wrote that reaching out to someone, be it a stranger or a family member, with compassion and empathy can turn things around for those who are contemplating suicide.

In the case of Justinian Tan, the Singaporean who died from injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run accident in Johor Baru, netizens were quick to believe the allega- tions pertaining to the healthcare service provided to the victim. However, people should have refrained from passing hurtful remarks and be more measured in their response because a tragedy had taken place and a life was lost. As compassionate people, we should have extended our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

In the Rohingya crisis, spiritual leaders around the world have voiced out their concerns. Stressing the need for compassion, the Dalai Lama wrote to Aung San Suu Kyi: “I appeal to you and your fellow leaders to reach out to all sections of society to try to restore friendly relations throughout the population in a spirit of peace and reconciliation”.

Desmond Tutu also wrote to her: “We are all the same, members of one family, the human family; that there are no natural differences between Buddhists and Muslims; and that whether we are Jews or Hindus, Christians or atheists, we are born to love, without prejudice.”

This year marks the 20th death anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales (Aug 31) and Mother Teresa (Sept 5). Both are “icons of compassion”.

At a time when there was not much awareness of HIV and how it was transmitted, Diana shook hands with an AIDS patient without wearing gloves in 1991. This simple gesture helped to change people’s attitude towards HIV/ AIDS patients. It showed that it was all right to touch and hug them and they deserve our compassion and love. Diana was inspired by Mother Teresa to take up charity work.

Mother Teresa’s service to mankind demonstrated selflessness. Clad in a white sari with a blue border, she started her “works of mercy” to look after “the unwanted, the unloved and uncared for”. She visited families in squalid slums, washed the sores of children, tended to the dying and taught street children to read. She was one of the pioneers who established hospice care for AIDS patients. She also founded the Shishsu Bhavan, a shelter for abandoned babies and children, and Nirmal Hriday, the Kalighat Home for the Dying Destitutes.

When Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she said in her acceptance speech: “I am grateful to receive (the Nobel) in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers...”

We see many people in our daily lives, including street sweepers, sewerage and construction workers, petrol pump attendants, security guards and etc. who work tirelessly around the clock. They deserve our attention and compassion for our lives would not be complete without them.