Compassion

Thank you, "anonymous in Lawrence, NY"! I think I now grasp it. But I have been enjoying the other thought-provoking comments as well. As someone who doesn't have knowledge of Hebrew, and only basic knowledge of Talmud, as an adult, I find that these ideas turn around in my head in some sort of "mystical dance".
I get so much from my "Daily Dose"!

As the writing implies that Compassion is greater and some don't see that much of a distinction. This might help.

We usually think of Love as the deepest feeling we can have for another. But this is because we see compassion as a shallower "I feel bad for you" emotion. That compassion is in fact lower than love and comes with a strong sense of superiority.

Kindness is when I give what I have to someone in need or someone I love. Either way, there is always some sense (perhaps super subtle) of my superiority. I am a giver

True compassion is when you connect at a level within yourself that is so deep it transcends your individuality. With that compassion, you can share with one whom you otherwise dislike or one who is (intellectually and emotionally) undeserving of kindness just as easily as giving to someone you love.

Kindness seems to be shared and compassion seems to be personally internal.

Kindness maybe the act of doing. Sharing with others or recieving from others.

Compassion is the feeling of oneness with another, feeling anothers desires and catering to them.

thus,

Kindess is the act (the physical aspect)
compassion is the feeling. (the spirtual aspect)


One goes hand and hand with the other
The soul guides the body

IF kindess implies a movement outward ... like painting a straight line ...

then does compassion imply reception, in inward acceptance?

or is Compassion both at the same time? representing an outward movement & an inward alignment, like a geometry, a figure 8;

an 'om' ;

in hebrew, a 'hey', that contains an 'om' symbol within in borders ...

Gateway & destination; & then further movement of kindness ...

...cosmic seeds bearing fruit?

~~~~~~

the daily dose & the community of comments here is truly ... a breakfast of champions!!

I am not able to understand right at the beginning either. The rabbi's explanation helps. But I have to confess I do not know exactly whether I distinguish the 2 matters. I just trust Hashem that He makes me a kinder, a more sensitive, a better person to whosoever I come in contact with.

To my mind they are the same, where compassion includes feeling more empathy.

I like your take on this, though I believe that it is something much simpler than that. Compassion is the type of giving that is free of pride. Kindness is sympathy while compassion is empathy. Compassion FEELs someone elses lacking and gives rather than to kindness, which SEEs someone else that doesnt have and gives. One thing sees another, but two things feel together, creating unity.
That's just my $.02.
Thanks Reb Tzvi,
Have a great day everyone!

I read about what compassion is. It's good to know. Thanks(Vinaka)

I have been reading and re-reading these two sentences, trying so hard to grab some understanding. I'm thinking that when one considers "kindness" and "compassion" they can be taken to be different kinds of tzedakkah, as described by Maimonides. Kindness can be given "first person to second", while "compassion" can be as part of the highest level of tzedakkah: the giver does not know the recipient, and the recipient does not know the donor. I shall return to the "daily dose" and peruse it over and over until I get some real understanding. If anyone can "enlighten me", please do!