Scientists to share insights into compassion with the Dalai Lama

In this article from the Seattle Times, the focus is on the science of compassion. Neuroscientists, psychologists, and other experts gathered at the University of Washington with the Dalai Lama to discuss what is scientifically known about compassion.

I was lucky enough to attend this event. I particularly enjoyed hearing from Andrew Meltzoff, a developmental psychologist and co-director of the UW Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences. He stated that compassion arises from the "interaction of biology and culture — including the family environment and larger culture in which we are raised". If what he says is true, we have the ability to cultivate compassion in ourselves and others. Why is this important? As the Dalai Lama would say, "Compassion is good!!!"

Compassion by definition is the positive regard for ourselves and others and a sincere wish for all sentient beings to have happiness and to know the causes of happiness.

From a more scientific basis, compassion is a higher brain function. When we have irrational and negative fighting, we respond from our brain stem. This is the part of our brain that keeps us safe when we are in danger by activating a fight or flight response. The problem is that when we respond from this part of our brain, we release stress hormones that wreak havoc on our physical and emotional health and make it impossible to respond logically or compassionately.

Even worse is the affect this type of fighting has on children; according to John Gottman's research, "Cortisol — the stress hormone — gets past the uterine barrier," Gottman said, "If a mother is pregnant in a family that loves and accepts her, it's a whole different uterine environment for the developing fetus. You can predict how much a baby smiles, or how quickly they calm down, by how the parents interact with each other."

Unavoidable factor: Compassion begins in the womb. This is the first gift we give our children!

We can cultivate compassion by developing an unlimited friendliness toward ourselves. This can be a difficult process because we often swallow a mountain of negativity and from it nurture self hatred. However, compassion toward others requires compassion toward ones self.

I really enjoyed this event!