About Compassion Training
The Compassion Training Course (CTC) is a nine-week program designed to develop the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness for oneself and for others. The CTC integrates traditional contemplative practices with contemporary psychology and scientific research on compassion. The program was developed at Stanford University by a team of contemplative scholars, clinical psychologists, and researchers.
Compassion
Compassion is a process that unfolds in response to suffering. It begins with the recognition of suffering, which gives rise to thoughts and feelings of empathy and concern. This, in turn, motivates action to relieve that suffering.
Training
Humans have a natural capacity for compassion. However, everyday stress, social pressures, and life experiences can make it difficult to fully express this capacity. Each of us can choose to nurture and grow the compassionate instinct, like a plant that is carefully cultivated from a seed. This process requires patience, steady care, proper tools, and a supportive environment.
The process of cultivating compassion involves training our own minds, developing specific skills in how we relate to ourselves and others, and intentionally choosing compassionate thoughts and actions. In the CTC, the training process includes:
- Daily meditation practices to develop lovingkindness, empathy, and compassion
- A two-hour weekly class that includes lecture, discussion, and in-class partner and small-group listening and communication exercises
- Real-world “homework” assignments to practice compassionate thoughts and actions
Why
Training compassion goes beyond feeling more empathy and concern for others. It includes the development of the strength to be with suffering, the courage to take compassionate action, and the resilience to prevent compassion fatigue. These qualities support a wide range of goals, from improving personal relationships to making a positive difference in the world.
Compassion training can also support one’s own health, happiness, and well-being. Preliminary research suggests that the CTC and similar programs can increase self-compassion and self-care, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and enhance connection with others.
Who
The CTC is designed to support anyone who wants to cultivate compassion for themselves and for others. This includes parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, therapists, executives, public servants, and people in a wide range of professions and life contexts. No previous meditation experience is required.
