Compassion in the Practice of Yoga: Experiences and Observations

Wednesday Forum – Dec 9, 2020

Inculcating karuna (compassion) is often projected as the veritable goal of spiritual practices around the world and a moral touchstone in religious doctrines in general. However, it is important to note that an ethical imperative that compels an individual to “act compassionately” may be more damaging than it intends to be. This is because an external moral doctrine may turn an individual into a compulsively compassionate person, while overlooking the basis of transformation that such forces require. In this talk, I intend to highlight the internal aspects of this transformation through the sadhana (practice) of raja-yoga as a method that consistently clears the mind of false doubts and naturally brings out compassion that is inherent in all human beings. An awareness of this fundamental human quality can go a long way in influencing the behavior and judgment of individuals at personal and consequently at public levels.

Dr. Namrata Chaturvedi is Associate Professor in the Department of English, SRM University, Sikkim, India. Her areas of research interest include classical Indian philosophy and literature and spiritual autobiographies. Her recent publication is an edited volume of essays on Kalidasa’s Sanskrit drama brought out by Anthem Press this year.

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