I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song, Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."
Till, ringing singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Compassion is at the transcendental and experiential heart of Buddhist teachings.
The Buddha was reputedly asked by his personal attendant, Ananda,
"Would it be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is a part of our practice?"
To which the Buddha replied, "No. It would not be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is part of our practice.
It would be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is ALL of our practice."
