Compassion with Noah Levine
October 27, 2025
Tonight I'll be discussing compassion, the challenges that come with it, and the concept of the "near enemy"—feelings that seem like compassion but actually lead to suffering. True compassion alleviates suffering, not causes it. There's a phenomenon called compassion fatigue, often mentioned in service, psychological, or medical fields. If compassion is exhausting you, it's not genuine compassion; it's something pretending to be compassion. Real compassion is soothing and never leaves you tired.
Where is it that you’re finding it difficult to be compassionate? Does being compassionate overwhelm you?
All financial support for Against The Stream comes from your generosity: Dāna.
Your donations support our expenses and allow us to continue to provide the Buddha’s teachings.
Against The Stream is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: All donations are tax deductible.
Tax ID 83-4171718