A scroll of compassion
We still had an hour before we could hear the Dalai Lama speak, so we entered the white tent outside Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama, to kill some time.
It turned out to be a bazaar of Tibetan artwork.
We watched the incredible patience of the sand artists as they worked.
We listened to another monk explain the meaning of the mandala.
We wandered around the tables and took in the beautiful pieces of art and the collection of words for sale.
It was a feast for the eyes.
And then I spotted this . . . something for my heart.
At the time, Compassion was my One Word of the Year. It was what brought us to Birmingham this day to listen to the Dalai Lama, one of the world’s passionate contenders for compassion.
So I knew I had to take this scroll home as a tangible reminder of the year.
And as a reminder that when we seek to give compassion, we are often given compassion.
I share the words from this scroll here with you.
My year with compassion was a wonderful journey that continues to stick with me, long after the calendar turned to a new year.
Thanks to all who leave comments. Your compassionate words teach me more than you know. May you in turn receive your own gifts of compassion, individually wrapped just for you.
What unexpected gift of compassion have you received lately? Please share.
Read more:
- What the Dalai Lama Taught Me About Responsibility, Kindness, and Connection
In honor of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 5, 2025, a personal reflection on his timeless messages. - 5 Things I Learned from the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama’s name kept surfacing as I researched “compassion.” So when he came to Birmingham, I had to go. Here are 5 things I learned.
revised from the archives
True compassion for another is a sign that we know we are all equal in God’s sight. This is such a beautiful reflection, Lisa, and should inspire us all to be more caring and compassionate to everyone we meet. Blessings!
I have been thinking about a variety of virtues and how to best live them in my thoughts, words and actions. Compassion is certainly one of these. Even treating ourselves with compassion is much needed. Thanks for such a beautiful reflection today.
The message about compassion having nothing to do with pity is an important one to impress as it does often creep into conversations where people try to discuss compassion for others.