A couple of my buddies have kindly flattered me. They suspect I am intelligent. Perhaps. Perhaps not. If I am intelligent, I am not where I am because of my intellect. I am here because of compassion, empathy, wisdom, experience, moral courage, upbringing, education, intelligence, etc. Most of all compassion.
Compassion without many other important qualities is dangerous. My father taught me tough love, thanks mostly to my mom. Tough love is doing for others what others need, not what makes you feel good about yourself.
Compassion is quiet. Compassion, also as my father taught me, doesn't brag. I hope I don't seem to be boasting now. I am trying to explain. Set a good example.
Too often, people think that giving will help another. Giving, without those other qualities named above, and others, is not only useless, giving without mindfulness is counterproductive.
Without love, nothing else matters.
Takenoura, Miyagi, 16 August 1994
