Reference no: EM132378872

Compassion Paper

Option #1:

Near the opening of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, Karen Armstrong argues that to become compassionate we need to draw on the resources of our own spiritual, religious, and/or philosophical traditions. In this essay, please examine your own tradition as it regards compassion. What aspects of your tradition encourage compassion? How is compassion understood? Please describe any stories, saying, beliefs, songs, or practices that promote compassion and, if you wish, describe how they have inspired you to be more compassionate.

Next, use your tradition to analyze Karen Armstrong's book. In what ways does your tradition agree with her argument and description of compassion? Are there any points of disagreement? What is the significance of the disagreement?

Please note: This essay will require you to draw on outside resources.

Option #2:

In this essay, please analyze Karen Armstrong's description one of the following steps. (If the step is not listed below, please do not write about it):
• Second Step, "Look at Your Own World"
• Third Step, "Compassion for Yourself"
• Fourth Step, "Empathy"
• Seventh Step, "How Little We Know"
• Eighth Step, "How Should We Speak to One Another"
• Ninth Step, "Concern for Everyone"
• Eleventh Step, "Recognition"
• Twelfth Step, "Love Your Enemies"

Your first task in this essay is to describe in as clear and a precise ways as possible Armstrong's position. What does Armstrong say about this step? What is the practice? How does it contribute to a more compassionate life?

For your second task, you must do one of two options. First, you may choose to criticize Armstrong's argument. Do you find her analysis of this step compelling? You may, for example, argue that the step does not really contribute to a compassionate life, or you may think she missed something important, or you may think that her analysis is limited and cannot confront ‘hard cases.' Try to find at least one point of criticism and make a compelling case for it.

Or, you may wish to do a personal essay in which you engage in the practice that Armstrong recommends at the end of each chapter. For example, in the chapter on "Look at Your Own World," Armstrong asks you to extend compassion to your family, work, and nation. You may choose to do this at a personal level and write in very specific terms your personal reflections on compassion and how it will manifest itself in your life. Please use the end of the chapter to guide your personal reflections.