If I have already taken care of myself, why should I care about other people’s circumstances?

Taking care of yourself is important, but our lives are also connected with others. What happens to someone else may affect us. Willingness to understand their circumstances helps us move beyond thinking only of ourselves and gradually appreciate their suffering.

During the pandemic I used the idea of a global village to discuss this. Life in Taiwan had initially remained largely normal, but later changes affected everyone’s days. Even if some places had more cases then, other places could not remain wholly apart. Something happening to a person or in a place can still affect others.

From spiritual practice, this is also an opportunity for empathy and compassion through shared being. First do your own responsibilities, then think one step further: what difficulty is someone else facing? Do not stop caring simply by saying it is their business. That willingness adds understanding between people.