Compassionate Policies to Relieve Systemic Suffering: Visions, Obstacles, Strategies, Actions ^*

Abstract

In this critical decade and century of climate chaos, ecocide and interconnected crises, a public policy approach is needed based on the primacy of compassionate action and ecological regeneration. Ecological regeneration focuses on the health of the Earth's planetary systems of water, soil, air, minerals, microbes, plants, insects and animals. Compassionate action is concerned with relieving the suffering and enhancing the happiness of the entire human population, present and future. An integral process is needed that brings these two priority concerns into the creation of new individual mindsets and behaviours and collective cultures and policies. The innovative leadership methods needed to realize these changes include mindfulness taught by Thich Nhat Hanh, group facilitation as formulated by the Institute of Cultural Affairs in its Technology of Participation (ToP), social artistry as developed by Jean Houston and four-quadrant thinking, planning and acting as expounded by Ken Wilber in his Integral Quadrants.

In this chapter, we will first identify some of the dimensions of humanity's systemic suffering. Next, we will review how the principles and practices of engaged Buddhism and compassionate action might help relieve that suffering. Then, we will explore some of the visions, obstacles, strategies and actions of compassionate policies that can help relieve systemic suffering.

Citation

Work, R. (2023), "Compassionate Policies to Relieve Systemic Suffering: Visions, Obstacles, Strategies, Actions ^* ", Singh, N. and Bhatnagar, D. (Ed.) Applied Spirituality and Sustainable Development Policy, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 241-264. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-380-020231013