From the Director
Each one of us has built up this competitive, ruthless civilization, in which man is against man.~Krishnamurti (1945)
I’m not quite certain why I have been attracted to the words of Krishnamurti but I have been for most of my life. I first knew of him because of his association with Annie Besant, the women’s rights activist, union supporter and all-around champion of human rights. You see, I come from a union family and the union was integral to our way of life. I grew up believing in union precepts that related to equal rights for workers and the responsibility of caring for children, the ailing and elderly. I have no intentions of writing these notes today to bring up opinions of the rights and wrongs of the International Workers of the World, or the controversies unearthed in The Enemy Within, the McClellan Commission’s and Robert Kennedy’s expose on the corruption between U.S. labor and management. No, I want to bring up how we might take some direction from Krishnamurti’s beliefs and how the original intent of unions can point us into considering how we can respond to dilemmas in which we find ourselves.
Each day as I digest the news, I return to the thinking of Besant and Krishnamurti, and what is our personal responsibility resulting in the literal trauma we are experiencing across the globe. In Russia, have not the tens of thousand of people from across the country taken responsibility to support the return of Alexey Navalny? Meanwhile how can we in the U.S. tolerate the threat voiced by Representative Lauren Boebert, as she indicates she has a right to carry her Glock pistol in the U.S. capital? How can some citizens ignore the evidence amassed following the January 6th assault on Congress to kill legislature as akin to yelling “fire” in a crowded theater? Accept the cries that political colleagues of the opposition be assassinated?
Krishnamurti warns that while we may want to root out the causes of barbarity in others, and do nothing, we are compliant with their actions. Not to decide is not only an action of hypocrisy, it leads to more unacceptable and heinous actions.
April 5 is Golden Rule Day: treat others as you would like to be treated. If you read the Charter for Compassion you know that it expounds on the principals of the Golden Rule. On our website, you’ll find a good amount of material to support how the Golden Rule is a major part of the world’s religions and philosophical tenants please click here. Krishamurti’s observation of how we can end misdeeds towards others is contained in implementing the Golden Rule. Speak to how you are doing this by contributing your stories to our Golden Rule Day celebration. Visit our website to read more and see how you can make 2021 the best of our Golden Rule Day events.
What is most needed for us to heal as the human race, is for us to gather in community in safe spaces that allow for our hearts to be open so we may speak freely and offer a nonjudgemental presence for listening deeply to others...
Charter for Compassion Webinars, Global Read and Education Institute Courses 
Starts February 22.
During the last several decades, the exploration into the science of compassion has been growing monumentally across continents, and measurement and evaluation, while still in early developmental stages, is being investigated vigorously by major international institutions. Themes that have made their way into the study of compassion can be seen as broad in nature: altruism, empathy, kindness, forgiveness, gratitude, happiness, resilience, and mindfulness, each integral to understanding compassion holistically. Four Week Course, Cost: $30. Learn more about the course and register here.
Join us for a four-part interactive series where attendees will get the opportunity to learn how MLK set the standard for compassionate leadership. With each conversation, we will pull practices from his life that teach us how to create long-lasting change, the importance of our own personal beliefs, and how to live a life with meaning and integrity. Learn more and register here
February 18 2021 at 5 PM PT
In this month's Global Read, this thought-provoking and inspiring book, by Diane Kalen-Sukra empowers community leaders and citizens to be part of the solution. She demonstrates what's involved by taking readers on a journey from Bullyville to Sustainaville, including an eye-opening visit to classical antiquity. Free or donation learn more and register here
Looking for Your Voice and Your Videos!
This is a shout-out to everyone who wants to share with the Charter, via video, how the Golden Rule connects all of us. Every major religion has a version of the Golden Rule. On April 5, International Golden Rule Day, the Charter and our partners will highlight videos from around the world showing that universal connection. Please click here to learn more, submit your short videos, and/or volunteer to help with this event. Videos due by February 14.
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From Our Partners
Coffee, Compassion and Conversation
In Partnership with Citizen Discourse
Join us each Thursday, at 9-10:15 AM PT for Coffee, Compassion and Conversation. We welcome Charter members across the globe for these free sharing session.Learn more and register here
During this time of uncertainty, we would appreciate any help you can extend to the Charter for Compassion. We continue to offer free webinars, Global Reads, and courses through our Compassion Education Institute at a low cost. Check our website for scheduling and to view our events calendar. We count on your financial support and appreciate your donations.
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