To start the conversation on compassion, we are sharing with you these six short talks from six different perspectives on faith.
These six speakers were chosen for many reasons. The five who are religious leaders are not just eloquent sermonists -- each one is also known for his or her own compassionate leadership. And all six are known for their thoughtful efforts at explaining faith to the larger world.
Together, these six speakers bear witness to the fact that compassion and the Golden Rule lie at the heart of all religion and all morality.
One of the great blessings of the 20th century is the ability for different faith communities to learn more about one another in greater depth than ever before. We have discovered the profound unanimity that lies at the core of all religion and ethics, and will never be able to see either our own or other people’s faith in quite the same way again. Each tradition has its own particular genius, and we are now able to learn from one another, enriching thus our own quest for enlightenment. These six talks provide just such an opportunity, reminding us at this time of global tension, suspicion and conflict of what we hold in common.
It’s hard to always show compassion -- even to the people we love, but Robert Thurman asks that we develop compassion for our enemies. He prescribes a seven-step meditation exercise to extend compassion beyond our inner circle.
filmed at the Chautauqua Institution
Robert Wright uses evolutionary biology and game theory to explain why we appreciate the Golden Rule ("Do unto others..."), why we sometimes ignore it and why there’s hope that, in the near future, we might all have the compassion to follow it.
Join Rev. James Forbes at the dinner table of his Southern childhood, where his mother and father taught him what compassion really means day to day -- sharing with those who need love.
filmed at the Chautauqua Institution
While we all agree that compassion is a great idea, Rabbi Tabick acknowledges there are challenges to its execution. She explains how a careful balance of compassion and justice allows us to do good deeds, and keep our sanity.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati unravels the parallel paths of personal development and attaining true compassion. He walks us through each step of self-realization, from helpless infancy to the fearless act of caring for others.
filmed at the Chautauqua Institution
Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf combines the teachings of the Qur’an, the stories of Rumi, and the examples of Muhammad and Jesus, to demonstrate that only one obstacle stands between each of us and absolute compassion -- ourselves.
Tenzin Robert Thurman: Expanding your circle of compassion
Robert Wright: The evolution of compassion
Rev. James Forbes: Compassion at the dinner table
Rabbi Jackie Tabick: The balancing act of compassion
Swami Dayananda Saraswati: The profound journey of compassion
Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf: Lose your ego, find your compassion
Nancy Etcoff 
Tom Honey 
John Wooden 
Chris Abani