Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Compassion

I would like to explain the meaning of compassion, which is often misunderstood. Genuine compassion is based not on our own projections and expectations, but rather on the rights of the other: irrespective of whether another person is a close friend or an enemy, as long as that person wishes for peace and happiness and wishes to overcome suffering, then on that basis we develop genuine concern for his or her problem. This is genuine compassion. Usually when we are concerned about a close friend, we call this compassion. This is not compassion; it is attachment. Even in marriage, those marriages that last only a short time do so because of attachment – although it is generally present – but because there is also compassion. Marriages that last only a short time do so because of a lack of compassion; there is only emotional attachment based on projection and expectation. When the only bond between close friends is attachment, then even a minor issue may cause one’s projections to change. As soon as our projections change, the attachment disappears – because that attachment was based solely on projection and expectation. It is possible to have compassion without attachment – and similarly, to have anger without hatred. Therefore we need to clarify the distinctions between compassion and attachment, and between anger and hatred. Such clarity is useful in our daily life and in our efforts towards world peace. I consider these to be basic spiritual values for the happiness of all human beings, regardless of whether one is a believer or a nonbeliever.

- HH The Dalai Lama

I think that speaks for itself...

58 comments:

Diane101 said...

excellent comment from the Dahli, thanks for posting that Catnip.

XicanoPwr said...

I see we are back up again. I have noticed there s a lotta meta going 'round lately.

Anonymous said...

Just a lurker here but must say. After 180+ comments and almost naming a blog after MT I wish you guys would just stop feeding the bitch. You know her big fat ego is just loving all of this.

Anonymous said...

anonymous,

On some level, I do believe that we all care about the ego, superego, and id of MT, if those are the terms you want to use. Because we do have compassion for enemies and friends, however you wish to categorize her. And I'm comfortable saying that for all of us who have ventured to comment here in the last few days. If I'm wrong, I invite any one of them to opt out of my blanket statement.

And, for what it is worth, I personally do not care about her 'ego' in the pejorative way that you have used that word. This is about healing US, because we have been harmed, in our own opinions. If you do not wish to participate in that process, you are welcome to disappear, in fact, I encourage you to do so.

Anonymous said...

I guess I don't understand how some woman in cyberspace could have hurt you so much. I could understand how those who met her in real life feel hurt about some of this but for people who have no real life connection to this woman she is just some hollering keyboard in cyberspace. I was only observing. Sorry if you were offended by my take on things. I don't think I need healing from her so I don't need to join you here.

Anonymous said...

anonymous, you misunderstand completely. The damage done was to our sense of community and it was the last straw for lots of us. It's not that she hurt me personally that is the problem. But if you don't get it, you just don't, so nothing I say can educate you further....

Why are you so angry?

Anonymous said...

She's had enough attention.

Anonymous said...

It's not about her. And why are you so jealous of her getting some attention?

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize I was jealous of her. Maybe I am.

spiderleaf said...

anonymous, it's actually closer to 400 comments here, just to be accurate in how much attention she's getting.

Personally, I'm not hurt by her at all. I feel sorry for her in many respects and hope she gets some help. I'm angry at BooMan for calling me ridiculous names, and hurt that he was so focused on his hatred of me that he imploded his site and told his community to screw off.

I agree with BooMan though, you seem a bit pissed off yourself. We're being productive over at Everybodycomesfromsomewhere.wordpress.com if you'd care to wander over and add your two cents (not about BMT or Tracy tthough, that stays here as meta).

spiderleaf said...

jeez, sorry, not with BooMan, with Blueneck. I need to get offline, I'm losing it.

Anonymous said...

Spiderleaf, I got a good laugh out of that ;)

btw, the comment:

Anonymous said...

It's not about her. And why are you so jealous of her getting some attention?

2/06/2007 02:19:49 PM

was mine, just forgot to fill in one of the blanks

spiderleaf said...

me too blueneck, me too :)

Anonymous said...

I'm just a lurker. I'm not really comfortable with posting. Just want to understand better what's going on. You are all upset with Booman then?

Anonymous said...

look, anonymous lurker, if you're not grown up enough to figure it out for yourself from the mounds of evidence all over the place, don't expect us to spoonfeed it to you. I'm not responding to anymore of your posts. buh-bye.

catnip said...

anonymous,
It's a very long story. Just read the posts and the comments attached to them and that should give you an idea of what has been happening.

As for Tracy's "ego", that's for her to deal with. Whether she's "loving this" or not sure doesn't concern me. This site isn't all about her. It's about meta issues. Scan through the archives.

catnip said...

FYI: meta meta

I added a stats counter (bottom of page). Site members can e-mail me for the name and password if they wish but it's still available for all to view regardless.

Anonymous said...

BooMan's taking a cruise to Egypt in March. She packed a golf bag with pearls.

catnip said...

Is that code for something?

The parakeet only sings when Paris is wet.

So there.

Anonymous said...

Queen to Queen's level three.

Anonymous said...

wow, I must have really fried my brain over at ECFS..whats all this?

Wait. Don't tell me. Please don't tell me.

catnip said...

If we told you scribe, we'd have to...well you know the rest. ;)

(I swear this word verification thingy is affecting my brain cells.)

Anonymous said...

[with apologies to the Dalai Lama]

Did anybody see the wacko, I love youknowwho fp over yonder?

I really do think he should take the "A Progressive Community" tag off the site and replace it with something more truthful.

Any suggestions? ;O

Anonymous said...

Dang it, blueneck, ya made me go look and I swore BT was gonna get a no-click day from me. Well, there's always tomorrow and the next day...

The "I lost a friend today" riff made me gag. So sad. I hope he feels MT was worth more than a dozen or more readers in the long term. From a business person's POV, I'd kick out an unruly patron even if it was my bestest friend in the whole world instead of driving off other customers.

Anonymous said...

sorry bout that sjct.... I checked in to see what people were saying, not much really... I think they're all just glad to have it over with. There were one or two mildly disapproving comments about 'people who wanted to take over BooMan's blog', or something to that effect. That is so far from the truth, though, it just goes to show that some people like the monarchy/anarchy style because they really can't be bothered to become involved on more than a 'I want a good place to post my important writing so lots of people will see it but I got banned at DKos, can't handle DKos, etc.' level. Or I guess they like green or something. Like I implied above, I really thought the "A Progressive Community" was a real statement of intent, not just a catchword. It sure did catch me off guard, and a lot of other people, too, most of who have left now.

Janet said...

Not saying much? Glad it's over?

I guess I was just tolerated there. Patted on the head a few times like a nice puppy. Oh look the pink girl is out doing something fun again.

But when it turned out I had some focus, because I wouldn't back down from following a course I feel will help stop wars - which is to support those who have big brass balls to resist...

I am now the red-headed stepchild of their community. I guess I never really was. Maybe I was just the entertainment section of the couch.

Well, fuck it... I am rather entertaining LOL and that is why I'm with a group like CP because we can be "out there" while being OUT in the street or entering buildings.

But nothing I do is flippant or done withought though... it's just weird that some seem to be so flippant about it all and giving it no thought.

Janet said...

and no, I'm not feeling lonely or isolated. Quite the opposite in fact.

It's an odd rush to be at an event or in the street and someone comes up beside you and hugs you because the remember you from another event... I met a guy Monday that I saw in DC back in 05. I ran into the Pooches for Peace from Beaverton vigils. I met a lady on the ivaw bus who entered the BirdDog Hillary event in Portland.

And people that you don't know... they aren't strangers. It's like instant "I KNOW" .. maybe htey don't know me... but they know why we're all there. We may be carrying different signs, from different organizations... but we all know why we're there.

Monday - it all melts away. And at some point you aren't

with CodePink
with yourself
you're not even Janet

You're with Peace.

catnip said...

Speaking of people who lack compassion while pretending to "support the troops", read this and the comments.

I swear my head damn near exploded.

catnip said...

I had to write about that one.

Like I implied above, I really thought the "A Progressive Community" was a real statement of intent, not just a catchword.

That phrase is a farce.

Janet said...

Catnip, it wouldn't let me post to your site..

Here's what I tried to post

Fuck them.

They can't dissect Watada's words... so they attack someone elses.

Support the troops... it's a fucking American mantra now which only means "don't think about it - just support whatever".

I got the diary first from Linda of CodePink due to the soldiers words. She heard them, I heard them.. but Kos... what a bunch of nitpickers.

And I have to say... many on the blogs can nickpick words... even actions... you know why... because that's all they have is words. Most don't get involved in actions, vigils, demonstrations.

They're like emotional and political activism vampires.

They just suck off the rest of us.

catnip said...

Your post went through at my place too, Janet.

"Fuck them" is right.

catnip said...

Janet! Mistrial for Watada?

supersoling said...

Anyone got an update on that Catnip? Mistrial?

Anonymous said...

watada mistrial

Anonymous said...

I have compassion for the maligned, unaligned starz, and for the noble bleats who cry no more.

BooMan is not alone -- he walks in powdery snow.

catnip said...

I have a post about it super. Still waiting to hear from Janet.

Anonymous said...

WooWhoo from Leezy and how the hell do I get signed in here?

Anonymous said...

I have been having an email exchange with Martin. The guy has seriously last all perspective folks. And that whole pathetic Edwards/Catholic shit he wrote yesterday? Using very derogatory words about the female genitalia etc. ej was the only one to call him out on it. Where were the women on it? Oh sorry, I forgot, we all left!! Leezy

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear that about him. I have some theories but I wouldn't dare put them online. I haven't checked the site lately...

Anonymous said...

I read a comment of his there yesterday in a Boston Joe diary, ..something about his having been "beaten up" for awhile now, and that the only effect it's had is to make him a little tired..(paraphasing) .

It made me feel sad. Lot's of good folks who truly care about him have tried to offer him support and help. But you have to want it, and be ready to let it, in order to be able to benefit from it. That time comes when it comes, and not before.

Anonymous said...

I am NOT gonna look. BT is getting a click-free day from me today no matter what.

But, Leezy, what do you mean by "derogatory words about the female genitalia etc." How would that fit into the Edwards mess?! Was he referring to Amanda at Pandragon?

Anonymous said...

From Leezy:

yep, using "pussy" and "grow some ovaries" referring to Edwards not taking a stand.I also just got an email again and he is monitoring this site closely. He said "I've been informed(hmmm wonder by who?)that you have join the Mobetta crown in bashing me". Whatever. I cannot even reply to him anymore. He has an excuse for everything.

catnip said...

Hey leezy,

To sign in here so that you can use your name you have to go to blogger.com (click on the top left link on the page) and sign up for an account. If you want to put up posts here, one of us can send you an invitation and make you a contributor.

We know he monitors the site - he's also posted comments here. This place isn't a secret.

Anonymous said...

Hell, we can all find excuses for whatever we choose to use them for: life is full of good excuses. And sometimes we use them when we aren't even conscious that this is what we're doing. (At least I know that to have been true many times for me. Only after the fact when I was finally ready to wake up and smell the coffee, could I see I'd been leaning on excuses all along.) Made me cringe, too, and regret causing distress for myself and others.

Boo, like the rest of us, is wherever he is right now. He'll either stay where he is, or move on from there, in time.

My only choice is whether I want to stay within his circle of influence, and let it continue to affect me, or move on out of it and find other places less stressful that are better match for me.

Anonymous said...

Hi scribe,

...move on out of it and find other places less stressful that are better match for me.

I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on MLW. Is the proprietor there more responsive to input from members? If a nasty troll pops up there, how is it handled? Does anyone think something like what has happened at BT would be handled any different? Does that site have any history of fights that are allowed to escalate into nasty personal attacks with no resolution?

Anonymous said...

I've not spent enough time there to really have any solid opinion on MLW. I have had good response to the few diaries I posted there, however.

catnip said...

I certainly won't be posting at MLW again. They went on a rampage against me last year when I posted a diary there a la "how dare an outsider have an opinion of us??". I deleted the diary and eugene - out of revenge - reposted it. Flipping twit.

catnip's diary (8.50 / 6)
So you all may have noticed catnip deleted her diary on community. This was obviously a very fucked up thing to do, as there were some wonderful comments on it.
But, you know what? I have the diary saved on my computer!

Bwahahahahahahah!

You try to fuck with MLW, you're not going to win.

That simple.

Look for the diary and all the amazing comments to reappear soon.
by: eugene @ April 24, 2006 at 20:42:19


And if you want to see where the term "serial blog wrecker" comes from: read this comment.

I got some apologies but, frankly, the swarm that formed when I initially posted the diary was so damn ugly that I will never post a diary there again.

catnip said...

Btw, I did talk to MSOC about this behind the scenes and there certainly is no animosity between the two of us - quite the contrary.

spiderleaf said...

Leezy, LOL, Mobetta crown... well at least he's finally acknowledging it.

Yeah, his choice of language is not surprising. I remember threads from 2004 at dkos where he defending using the terms "fag", "pussy", "nigger", etc. when trying to motivate people. Quite unpleasant.

And no, no clicks from me today either.

spiderleaf said...

And it's funny. We ain't bashing him, we're responding to him. He came over here to bash me and yell LIAR!!!!. Should I have given him flowers?

catnip said...

Maybe he thought he'd be greeted as a liberator...

alohaleezy said...

We ain't bashing him. That was my first thought. He still thinks this place was only set up to ruin him. What an ego. I'm not going to print the email exchange here but quite frankly his thought process shocked me. I am pissed at myself because I so misjudged him. Oh well, on to more important things like stopping the war and supporting candidates for 08. Then again, I should be doing my real job.

catnip said...

He still thinks this place was only set up to ruin him. What an ego.

He's obviously never read the archives.

And just what kind of power does he think we have that we could ever "ruin" him? How bizarre is that?

A lot of bloggers rail against me and my opinions but I've never been so paranoid as to think they could somehow destroy me or my blog. You get critcism, you either respond to it or you don't. And then you move on. That's life in the blogosphere.

catnip said...

I should add an addendum to that comment. When it comes to people like Tracy fishing around for personal information about me, that's a whole different story. because that is a real threat.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for ya'll's input on the MLW thing. I have lurked there some every now and then. I think I'll keep it that way.

catnip said...

blueneck,
I didn't mean to totally turn you off MLW. There are some good people over there posting interesting stuff. That was just my experience with some who became very protective of their space. Every community has its dynamics.

Anonymous said...

[snark]Well, catnip, I have to take your opinion with a grain of salt since you are a serial blog wrecker... I mean, look at the devastation you've left in your wake. It'll take years for those sites to recover from your devious and willful nukings. [/snark]

But really, I already had my own impression. I have an account there, but have hardly used it at all, maybe once. I'm not that attracted to it in general and was just wondering if any one would chime in with a resounding endorsement and cause me to reconsider. So far, no resounding endorsements.

I do visit there and see what's up from time to time as a lurker, and I'm not implying that there's anything wrong with the site, to the contrary. It just doesn't feel like a good fit for me, that's all.

I'm happy with Everybody Comes From Somewhere. I think I will just put my efforts into building that.

Anonymous said...

:) Makes me happy to hear that, blueneck.

nite all!