{ "id": "compassion-with-boundaries", "languageCodes": [ "en" ], "languageNotes": { "en": "editorial commentary · sources credited" }, "chapters": [ { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries", "title": "Compassion can include a boundary", "units": [ { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-1", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Goodwill does not require saying yes to every request. A person can sincerely wish another well and still decline an unreasonable demand, report harmful conduct or leave a situation that is unsafe. The question is whether a boundary protects conditions for well-being, or becomes a way to punish and humiliate." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-2", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "The Sedaka discourse, SN 47.19, links care for oneself and care for others. Its acrobatic image is not an invitation to become solely responsible for another person’s balance. It directs attention to the qualities through which mutual protection becomes possible. Read it alongside the Mettā Sutta’s broad wish for the welfare of beings." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-3", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Anālayo’s article on equanimity distinguishes several Buddhist uses of the term and connects mindfulness with concern for others. Equanimity should therefore not be reduced to emotional indifference. His discussion of wise acceptance likewise gives a reason to distinguish acknowledging present circumstances from endorsing everything that produced them. These are scholarly interpretations; our practical examples below are editorial applications." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-4", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Imagine a volunteer who is repeatedly asked to cover a role at the last minute. An unlimited yes may conceal a growing resentment and make the arrangement unreliable. A clear response could be: ‘I can cover this Saturday. For later weeks, we need a rota and a backup person.’ That sentence keeps the immediate need visible while addressing the conditions that cause it." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-5", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "A boundary is usually easier to understand when it states an action within your control. ‘You must become considerate’ is a wish about another person. ‘I will confirm only the shifts I can actually attend’ is a commitment about your conduct. Specificity reduces the temptation to turn a disagreement into a judgement of someone’s entire character." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-6", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Compassion also includes the people affected by a harmful pattern. Asking them to forgive quickly so that the group can feel peaceful may preserve the appearance of harmony at their expense. Listening, investigating and changing access or responsibilities can be expressions of care. A spiritual phrase should not close a conversation that needs to happen." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-7", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "For reflection: name one responsibility you can fulfil, one you cannot honestly promise, and one conversation that could make the arrangement fairer. Practise stating all three without an insult. You do not have to stop caring in order to become clearer." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-8", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "This article concerns everyday ethical reflection. It does not determine the facts of a particular dispute or replace appropriate safeguarding arrangements." }, "links": [ { "text": "Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2021). Relating Equanimity to Mindfulness. Mindfulness 12, 2635–2644.", "url": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01671-z" }, { "text": "Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2022; online 2021). Monitoring and Acceptance: Key Dimensions in Establishing Mindfulness. Mindfulness 13, 1901–1906.", "url": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01770-x" }, { "text": "SN47.19 · complete reading", "url": "/texts/sn47.19/sc-2026-09-23" }, { "text": "KP9 · complete reading", "url": "/texts/kp9/sc-2026-09-23" } ] } ] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-sources", "title": "Sources and editorial note", "units": [ { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-sources-1", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Editorial commentary and source notes. Independent scholarly or Sangha review has not been completed." }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-sources-2", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2021). Relating Equanimity to Mindfulness. Mindfulness 12, 2635–2644.: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01671-z" }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-sources-3", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2022; online 2021). Monitoring and Acceptance: Key Dimensions in Establishing Mindfulness. Mindfulness 13, 1901–1906.: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01770-x" }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-sources-4", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "SN47.19 · complete reading: /texts/sn47.19/sc-2026-09-23" }, "links": [] }, { "id": "compassion-with-boundaries-sources-5", "kind": "text", "text": { "en": "KP9 · complete reading: /texts/kp9/sc-2026-09-23" }, "links": [ { "text": "Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2021). Relating Equanimity to Mindfulness. Mindfulness 12, 2635–2644.", "url": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01671-z" }, { "text": "Anālayo, Bhikkhu (2022; online 2021). Monitoring and Acceptance: Key Dimensions in Establishing Mindfulness. Mindfulness 13, 1901–1906.", "url": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01770-x" }, { "text": "SN47.19 · complete reading", "url": "/texts/sn47.19/sc-2026-09-23" }, { "text": "KP9 · complete reading", "url": "/texts/kp9/sc-2026-09-23" } ] } ] } ] }