Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 422)
23 October 2020
COMPASSION IS A VIRTUE THAT REQUIRES FORBEARANCE
Question: In Words of Wisdom Volume 8, Master Lu mentioned, “There is a price to pay for being compassionate, and that is forbearance.” Can Master enlighten us on this?
Answer: There is definitely a price to pay for being kind and compassionate to others. For example, you may end up being scolded by the one you help. In other cases, your effort in giving someone a piece of advice may not be appreciated at all. Under such circumstances, you have to practise forbearance.
Just like in my case. I am always trying to teach you, but amid your vexations, you would not realise that I was trying to help you with my compassion. Instead, you would complain when I did that. Hence, forbearance is precisely the price that I pay for having compassion for you.