Objective: To increase the amount of compassion in the world.

Expected Result: A personal sense of peace.

Instructions: This exercise can be done anywhere that people congregate (airports, malls, parks, beaches, etc.). It should be done on strangers, unobtrusively and from some distance. Try to do all five steps on the same person.

Step 1. With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself:
"Just like me, this person is seeking some happiness for his/her life.

Step 2. With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself:
"Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life.

Step 3. With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself:
"Just like me, this person has known sadness, suffering, and despair."

Step 4. With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself:
"Just like me, this person is seeking to fill his/her needs."

Step 5. With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself:
"Just like me, this person is learning about life."

Variations:

1. Done by couples and family members to increase understanding of each other.
2. Done on old enemies and antagonists still present in one's memories.
3. Done on other life forms.