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Understanding and Compassion
"Watching a green caterpillar on a leaf, we understand the importance of the caterpillar, not just from our self-centred point of view as a human, but from the penetration based on the interdependence of all things. Realizing the preciousness of the life of every being, we dare not deprive the caterpillar of its life. If some day we have to kill a caterpillar, we will feel as if we are killing ourselves, that something of ourselves dies with the caterpillar. . . In bringing to light the interdependence of all phenomena, the meditator comes to see that the lives of all beings are one, and he is overcome with compassion for all. When you feel this love you know that your meditation is bearing fruit. Seeing and loving are one. Shallow understanding accompanies shallow compassion. Great understanding goes with great compassion."
--Thich Nhat Hanh, The Sun, My Heart
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