What Constitute a Compassionate City?

\"What Constitutes a Compassionate City?\" An Exploratory Survey of Views https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-progress-report-2019/compassion Initial Exploratory Study To Evaluate the Viability of Developing a Qualitative Tool i.e. Compassionate City Footprint (and Handprint)

This email-based exploratory survey was carried out between August and October 2018 in Asia. It was carried out to pursue a more comprehensive study on the same subject with an aim to organise a learningful event. It was also done to assess the effort to build a qualitative tool, compassionate city footprint (as well as, handprint). Because of several circumstances, the initiative could not be developed and completed. This preliminary exploratory survey report was edited by Conrad Saldanha, a volunteer consultant of the Centre based in Mumbai, India. Version: Version 1/Aug 2020 Dr M. Nadarajah Chair Professor Xavier Centre for New Humanities and Compassion Studies Xavier University Bhubaneswar Odisha, India [email protected] [email protected] 2

Basic Concerns Our world is becoming increasingly urbanised. Asia will become the home of a growing number of mega-cities. Asian urbanisation is a massive social, cultural, economic, and political change process, both regenerative and destructive, both humane and cruel. both inclusive and exclusive. Because of the way our society is organised today, the latter features seem to be the trending norm. As urban dwellers, we are losing our empathetic compassion to actively and effectively reach out to vulnerable and marginalised communities or to change those structures that lead to or escalates human suffering. This is very obvious in many Asian cities. The urban spaces have become alienating, impersonal and cruel. By 2030, the urban population in India will grow massively creating tremendous challenges in the provision of basic infrastructure, cultural and natural heritage protection, livelihoods and caring human services. Public health services will be under tremendous pressure. Over the years, urban planners and policymakers have been working hard to plan our cities. Asian cities have gone through adaptive city planning to more organised city planning to economically-viable city development to sustainable city development to smart city development. The main effort has been to make cities economic powerhouse more than anything else. It would be unfortunate to make compassion serve economic bottom lines. In recent years, there has been a move to re-think city. Quality of life and well-being in cities have become critical concerns. Urban citizens and netizens are taking up critical urban issues to make urban experience more humane, peaceful, inclusive and eco-friendly. There is a growing concern to nurture a social and natural city ecology that provides basic caring and creative human/humane services. These ideas and efforts are now shaping the \"compassionate cities\" movement. In this context, another development is necessary. Thus, Xavier Centre for New Humanities and Compassion Studies is proposing an effort to develop a qualitative \"compassion city footprint\" (adding \"compassionate city handprint\" as well) tool. The tool will hopefully offer some guide to influencing urban spaces, policies, governance and grassroots action. It has the potential to nurture compassionate cities. 3

Analyses of Views* on \"What Constitutes a Compassionate City?\" Answers to 3 Simple Questions (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it's character? What aspects/features would make a city compassionate? What are some of the signs of a compassionate city? (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities citizens can do or avoid? Policies? Civic engagement for compassionate urban futures? (3) Any other thoughts? * Please Note The original views as shared by the respondents are in the appendix. See below. Matt Collamer, www.unsplash.com 4

Questions 1 (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? (Answers from the respondents have been categorised under suitable headings, which can eventually be used to develop the ‘indicators’ of compassionate foot and hand print .) Basic Necessities for the Underprivileged/Social Justice • \"Where no man/woman goes to bed without a meal\" • \"That offers shelter, food and opportunities to a wide range of population, especially the underprivileged.\" • \"Provides shelter for every one of its people.\" Care for the Elders, Disabled, Vulnerable and Caregivers • \"Eldercare facilities with cross-generational support. Differently-abled. Some form of social and financial support must be made available for the caregivers. Everyone must be cared for; there must be inclusiveness in a compassionate society.\" • \"Due respect and care and special attention to the poor, the children, women, PWDs and senior citizens.\" People-Supportive Infrastructure • \"Create more affordable schools, hospitals and public transport system. Public amenities are accessible and affordable.\" • \"Housing that is available for its dwellers must be decent. State has to subsidise housing. It is a public good.\" • \"More indigenous health centres & primary care.\" Promoting Community • \"Community space.\" • \"Community centres\" • \"Indoor & outdoor intergenerational community spaces.\" • \"Exchange & sharing goods & services areas.\" • \"Communication, communion, and community, which are the fundamental prerequisites for compassion. No gated communities and ghettoised slums.\" • \"Caring and sharing among all living things in the city, including visitors/outsiders, as well as specific conditions/infrastructures which are necessary\" • \"Projects for the public to take care of gardens, security & public welfare as citizens' initiatives, engaging youths & seniors.\" 5

• \"Health care & education facilities more as community spaces & not as finance- driven.\" Promoting Harmony Among people • \"Where children are taught to love and care for fellow human beings belonging to different religious, caste and ethnic backgrounds as well as animals.\" • \"Kind and gentle to other people without any distinction -- racial, sexual, disability, class, color, language, education, wealth and so on.\" • \"Social harmony must be promoted.\" • \"Where every citizen smiles at each other.\" • \"It has a feeling of honour for the uniqueness of each culture.\" Promoting Ecological Harmony • \"Love, relatedness, caring, and ecological harmony. No 'having' impulses', No Reckless speed, No increasing atomisation.\" • \"Interconnected green spaces.\" • \"Gardens and sufficient open spaces available, forming green lungs\" • \"Renewable energy initiatives.\" • \"Initiatives on recycling.\" • \"Ample washing & toilet facilities using the eco-approach.\" • \"Spaces can be rented out, or made available, for vegetable farming.\" • \"Educate the people against the danger of plastic use.\" • \"Safe, clean drinking water stations must be made available.\" • \"Farm could be brought to the city in a limited way enabling children, in particular, to have interaction or at least to be aware of animal life.\" • \"Interacting spaces with other species.\" • \"Kind, caring, responsive, responsible for the physical and social environment.\" Promoting Dignity and Rights of People • \"Must provide an ambience where the poorer sections of its population do not have to take to crime to sustain their lives — in other words, living in a city with dignity and opportunity.\" • \"Equal rights- regardless of gender, class, race, religion and age.\" • \"Humane/broadly egalitarian/inclusive cities.\" • \"Social security, social services and public spaces for every one of its constituents.\" \"Everyone's rights are respected.\" • \"Leaders take into consideration first and foremost the welfare of the people.\" • \"Puts at the centre the people in its development planning and not just mere \"beneficiaries\" that actually means pushing the marginalised further to farther margins.\" • \"Where secure networks of social groups like NGOs, residential associations, clubs and so on exist.\" 6

• \"Where more women are employed in the city council.\" • \"Creates its charter with the people, especially the workforce, at the centre/at its heart.\" • \"Where dispute resolution through means other than violence and courts will be engaged.\" Question 2 (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities' city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies (Answers from the respondents have been categorised under suitable headings, which can eventually be used to develop the ‘indicators’ of compassionate foot and hand print .) Create Policies that Support Compassion • \"As citizens or dwellers, it will be easier to be compassionate knowing policies lean towards creating that atmosphere of compassion- having jobs, opportunities for success, social services available, etc. shall lead to more compassionate people.\" • \"The blueprint of development can be a starting point- the people at the centre.\" • \"Educational policies are crucial. Compassionate individuals are not born overnight but can be nurtured. An effective way would be the curriculum, beginning at the youngest level.\" • \"Parliament must introduce national policies and enact laws that make it mandatory for the government of the day to take responsibility for providing public services. These include health, education, housing infrastructure and transport.\" • \"The policies should be compassion rooted & not only designed to serve economic activity.\" • \"Policies do have a place as long as they foster enabling conditions of a compassionate city rather than trying to impose regulations and control over dwellers.\" • \"Doing away with anti-people policies and start creating pro-people policies with the people.\" A caveat to the above: • \"The policymakers at the state and local levels must first be compassionate. Only then will the commitment to provide facilities happen.\" • There was also a comment that people are innately compassionate. However it is the inequality and corruption around that make them hard hearted. It is then upto the people to take the initiative to build compassionate communities. 7

• \"People are compassionate in their core- but different challenges become hindrances for their hearts to shine forward. In cities like mine (Manila) for instance, it is not easy to smile when there is so much inequality around. The state perpetuates so much corruption and many crimes. However, many of us try to bond together as a community of people animated by care and compassion. We create different initiatives that bring compassion from within us towards others- teaching dance and drama in marginalised communities for one, help facilitate empowerment for the poor to speak up and tell their stories.\" Traditional Cultures Need to be Protected • \"Go beyond the limited orbit of the 'economics-commerce-technology' combine to be able to realise that the sphere of culture should remain free from their dictates. It is not their domain. Nor can it be allowed to use culture in a base, instrumental way. It is a culture, which has to control business, not the other way round.\" • \"Ecologically, emotionally and materially all traditional cultures continue to be more ethical and sustainable than the cunning, manipulative and greedy societies being bred by corporate culture. The leadership of this compassionate city must connect traditional East-West cultural tendencies with the fundamental existential needs of peace and sanity.\" Promote a Value-driven Culture • \"Conscious efforts to cultivate values of forgiveness, compassion, peace and nonviolent conflict resolution at the school level.\" • \"Rope in social capital.\" • \"For initial compliance, there may be a need to implement strict enforcement of laws, but these must gradually be done away so that values can be nurtured.\" • \"All institutions in the country, and extending that, in the city, must work towards creating compassionate individuals. These institutions include religious institutions\" • \"There must be dialogue and everyday activities that bring people together.\" • \"The permanent communication among all stakeholders should be permitted who want to realise a compassionate city\". Use the Taxation System Wisely • \"Using the taxation system well and wisely.\" • \"Tax- relief can be provided for companies, which promote and provide facilities.\" Redesign Cities • \"Most cities will need to be remodeled systematically over time.\" • \"Demands new thinking on architecture, city space, transportation, and cultural sites\". 8

Promote Ecology • \"To promote the use of bicycles and to walk, particularly in hot tropical areas, there must be shrub-lined streets with paths for cyclists and also pedestrians as well as shelters.\" Question 3 (3) Any other thoughts? Creating Indicators • \"Coming up with a few indicators of compassion and ranking Indian cities based on such indicators can also be very helpful.\" Promote a Culture of Values • \"People in the city of compassion should live a simple life that they can find time to devote attention to higher pursuits. This city must go back to the basic in ancient civilisations whereby there had been no rush whatever. Presently people look downwards to the earth; in those days people looked upwards to Heaven. This culture of integrity must be conserved & strengthened for the future of humankind.\" Create Sustainable Living Spaces • \"Wake up urban planners using alternative building materials which are more eco- friendly and which overall health of urban citizens.. Engage all stakeholders to design sustainable living spaces.\" Focus on Education • \"Education for compassion, equality, fairness and the social and political will to make this world better.\" • \"Students in this programme must take up an idea and work on it from clarifying details to implementation to review over different periods: immediate term ( within a month), short term ( 6 moths-one year) and long term ( for at least ten years, with two years reviews). It will mean working on this 'project\" long after they graduate.\" 9

Appendix Views on \"What Constitutes a Compassionate City?\" Prof. Siby Joseph (Wardha, India) (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? A compassionate city is one where no man/woman goes to bed without a meal, where secure networks of social groups like NGOs, residential associations, clubs and so on exist, where more women are employed in the city council, where dispute resolution through means other than violence and courts will be engaged and where children are taught to love and care for fellow human beings belonging to different religious, caste and ethnic backgrounds as well as animals. (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities' city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies? We can promote it by roping in the social capital already available as well as conscious efforts to cultivate values of forgiveness, compassion, peace and nonviolent conflict resolution at the school level. (3) Any other thoughts? Coming up with a few indicators of compassion and ranking Indian cities based on such indicators can also be very helpful. Prof. Surajit Mukhopadhyay (Chhattisgarh, India) For me, a compassionate city is a city that offers shelter, food and opportunities to a wide range of population, especially the underprivileged. Prosperous cities say New York or London have managed to drive away or price out the poor with the consequence of high crime rates and poverty. A compassionate city must provide an ambience where the poorer sections of its population do not have to take to crime to sustain their lives — in other words, living in a city with dignity and opportunity. 10

And yes, we can systematically create a compassionate city by using the taxation system well and wisely. We must rejuvenate the inner city spaces, create more affordable schools, hospitals and public transport system. The idea must be to see to it that public amenities are accessible and affordable. Dr. Hj. Zulkifly Baharom (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? It would constitute 'cultural integration' or 'cultural cooperation' programs of all countries in the world. It is a city of 'cultural integrity' about East-West cultures based on mutual give- and-take with equal respect for each other. It has a feeling of honour for the uniqueness of each culture, which is their guiding spirit. This process used to extend to several different fields from literature and paintings to circuses and magic shows. So, cultural integration really aims at forced uniformity of daily lifestyle for sustainable cultures in the global economy — the city of a good life for human beings. (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies? The city needs to go beyond the limited orbit of the 'economics-commerce-technology' combine to be able to realise that the sphere of culture should remain free from their dictates. It is not their domain. Nor can it be allowed to use culture in a base, instrumental way. It is a culture, which has to control business, not the other way round. A corporate- dictated cultural pattern might chill the heart of honest and serious students of true human well-being. Thus, ecologically, emotionally and materially all traditional cultures continue to be more ethical and sustainable than the cunning, manipulative and greedy societies being bred by corporate culture. The leadership of this compassionate city must connect traditional East-West cultural tendencies with the fundamental existential needs of peace and sanity. (3) Any other thoughts? People in the city of compassion should live a simple life that they can find time to devote attention to higher pursuits. This city must go back to the basic in ancient civilisations whereby there had been no rush whatever. Presently people look downwards to the earth; in those days people looked upwards to Heaven. This culture integrity must be conserved & strengthened for the future of humankind. Yazdi Jehangir B. (Kuala Lumpur, UK/Singapore/Malaysia) (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? 11

• Interconnected green spaces. • Community space. • Indoor & outdoor intergenerational community spaces. • Eldercare facilities with cross-generational support. • Craft & hobby economy zones • Flea markets to protect indigenous or local trade & barter. • Interacting spaces with other species. • Good connected public transport. • Ample washing & toilet facilities using the eco-approach. • Renewable energy initiatives. • Initiatives on recycling. • Exchange & sharing goods & services areas. • Projects for the public to take care of gardens, security & public welfare as citizens' initiatives, engaging youths & seniors. • Planting of new areas. • Design & layout of spaces away from qualified architects. • Health care & education facilities more as community spaces & not as finance- driven. • More indigenous health centres & primary care. (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies? Yes, most cities will need to be remodeled systematically over time. The policies should be compassion rooted & not only designed to serve economic activity. (3) Any other thoughts? Wake up urban planners using alternative building materials which are more eco-friendly and which overall health of urban citizens.. Engage all stakeholders to design sustainable living spaces. Prof. Avijit Pathak (New Delhi, India) It is a brilliant idea to develop. I dislike the idea of, say, 'smart' cities. I imagine humane/broadly egalitarian/inclusive cities. Today as I experience a city like Delhi, I feel its aggression and indifference everyday. While the gated communities of the aspiring professional class erect a massive wall of separation, the ghettoised slums or the isolated pockets of the marginalised communities (say, Jamia Nagar or Old Delhi for the Muslims) reveal the nature of hierarchised spaces. It negates communication, communion, and community, which are the fundamental prerequisite for compassion. At another level, the reckless speed associated with modern/urban living, the increasing atomisation (even new electronic gadgets which we have mindlessly supported have 12

contributed to it), the 'having' impulses implicit in the mass culture of consumption make me realise the wisdom of George Simmel -- his reflections in 'Metropolis and Mental Life\"-- the disease of indifference in our times. Possibly, I too cherish the ambiguity towards the city -- the way Raj Kapoor's early films showed it. Love, relatedness, caring, and ecological harmony -- we need to restore these values in a city to make it compassionate. This demands new thinking on architecture, city space, transportation, and cultural sites. Prof. Shigekasu Kusune (Kanazawa, Japan) (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? A city which is kind and gentle to other people without any distinction -- racial, sexual, disability, class, color, language, education, wealth and so on. (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies? The permanent communication among all stakeholders should be permitted who want to realise a compassionate city. (3) Any other thoughts? Education for compassion, equality, fairness and the social and political will to make this world better. Veronica Retnam (Seremban, Malaysia) 1. What are the aspects that make a city compassionate/ signs of a compassionate city? Compassion is related to a positive emotive value held by an individual, which drives that person to act positively to those in difficulty. When city dwellers are kind, caring, responsive, responsible for the physical and social environment, then some elements within the city promote them to exhibit such values. Most cities will have different groups of people from different socio-economic backgrounds, from the first world as well as third world countries. Some vital aspects: 1.1. Facilities like community centres, which can bring people together and provide space and resources, which may be lacking in their own homes. These centres should have library facilities, which are well stocked and meet the needs of different groups. Vulnerable groups, like single mothers from low-income communities, must have a safe place within these 13

centres to leave their young children while they are at work. These children must be cared for by compassionate caregivers. The centres should be within walking distance from homes. Community game areas must be available too within these centres. In an era when there are so much individualism and conflict, social harmony must be promoted. These centres have the potential to play such a role. It need not, however, be limited to just low-income families or vulnerable groups. It has to start somewhere though, i.e. if there are no such centres, and then the most vulnerable must be reached out to first. 1.2. Public transportation must be available, reliable and easily accessible. The state must heavily subsidise this. The buses and other means of transport must be, as far as possible, run on \"clean energy\" like solar power. 1.3. Housing that is available for its dwellers must be decent, in that there is sufficient space for the family and not \"cages\" where children, in particular, are forced to be outside their homes most of the time. When wages do not support the purchase of a decent home, then the state has to subsidise housing. It is a public good. And doing brings compassion into public policies. There must be different rooms for the children, parents and ageing grandparents /relatives/disabled family members. Some form of social and financial support must be made available for the caregivers. Very often, there is \"multiple-discrimination\" against this vulnerable group; the state does not provide service, the family members do not treat them as \"normal human being\" and just leave them at the fringe of society. Neither are there amenities for this group within their residential area. Facilities must be available for these vulnerable members so that they can have some quality of life and live with dignity. These persons can have valuable lessons for others and contribute to the re-creation of a compassionate city. Grandparents have many stories to share with young ones of an era gone by. The differently-abled will have some qualities, which they can share, for example, their hospitality. They too, can make a contribution, when given the opportunity. One impressive group is that of a group of dancers on wheelchairs from Bangalore, i.e. the Miracle on Wheels troupe. This may be an exceptionally skilled group. The point is, everyone must be cared for; there must be inclusiveness in a compassionate society. 1.4. There must be gardens and sufficient open spaces available, forming green lungs within the city. Individuals/families can plant trees and care for them under supervision. Such a facility will increase oxygen supply, provide shade and also provide a much-needed platform to generate flora and fauna. Fruit trees too can be part of the green lungs. These spaces will promote the need to care for the green environment and prevent a fancy to cut trees as happens in some cities to way for roads. It allows children to care for another life. The farm could be brought to the city in a limited way enabling children, in particular, to have interaction or at least to be aware of animal life. These can be some cows left to pasture in an area. It can be a venue for some recycling activities like the use of cow dung as 14

a source of power and as fertilisers. A group of children/adults with special needs could run a café, with some supervision, in a corner using milk sourced from these cows. Some other animals could be introduced in other areas, for example, poultry. Of course, there must be sufficient guidelines from a hygiene and health point of view. Spaces can be rented out, or made available, for vegetable farming, as land is a scarce commodity in a city. It can be small plots to encourage families to grow part of their vegetable needs. Such activity can bring people together as well as promote values to care for Mother Earth. 1.5. A very damning material that is choking Mother Earth is plastics. It is hurting many animal lives. Somewhere within the life of the city, there has to be massive media publicity blitz using as many alternative means as possible to educate the people against the danger of plastic use. But more importantly, the city must provide alternatives materials at very low cost where necessary. Safe, clean drinking water stations must be made available, and city dwellers must always carry with them, non-plastic water bottles to be refilled. The one-time use and throwaway culture must be made illegal. It hurts Mother Earth. Getting rid of plastics and reducing the dangers it creates is undoubtedly an act of public compassion. There are endless uses of plastic, from poly-bags for plants to packing material for just about anything. This excessive use must be curtailed, and city dwellers must be driven to stop the 'one-time\" use of plastic and throw away culture. All of the facilities and activities must be supported by policies. 2. What are the activities and policies that can create compassionate cities? Parliament must introduce national policies and enact laws that make it mandatory for the government of the day to take responsibility for providing public services. These include health, education, housing infrastructure and transport. For a compassionate city to function, the policymakers at the state and local levels must first be compassionate. Only then will the commitment to provide facilities happen. To promote the use of bicycles and to walk, particularly in hot tropical areas, there must be shrub-lined streets with paths for cyclists and also pedestrians as well as shelters. Tax- relief can be provided for companies, which promote and provide facilities. For initial compliance, there may be a need to implement strict enforcement of laws, but these must gradually be done away so that values can be nurtured. It may take two generations to arrive at this point. For the long term, educational policies are crucial. Compassionate individuals are not born overnight but can be nurtured. An effective way would be the curriculum, beginning at the youngest level. All institutions in the country, and extending that, in the city, must work towards creating compassionate individuals. These institutions include religious institutions. There must be dialogue and everyday activities that bring people together. To support some of the suggestions in terms of facilities and activities, different institutions can promote its members to comply and contribute. 15

Pope Francis is challenging the world and the Catholics to be compassionate to both mother earth (Laudato Si) and to persons, the migrants, the displaced. 3. Any other thoughts? Students in this programme must take up an idea and work on it from clarifying details to implementation to review over different periods: immediate term ( within a month), short term ( 6 moths-one year) and long term ( for at least ten years, with two years reviews). It will mean working on this 'project\" long after they graduate. Terence Krishna Lopez (Quezon City, Philippines) (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? For me, a compassionate city is a city that can provide social security, social services and public spaces for every one of its constituents. Everyone's rights are respected primarily by the state through its policies and implementation mechanisms. A compassionate city is a city that provides shelter for every one of its people. A compassionate city is one where every citizen smiles at each other. A compassionate city is one in which its leaders take into consideration first and foremost the welfare of the people. A compassionate city is a city that puts at the centre the people in its development planning and not just mere \"beneficiaries\" that actually means pushing the marginalised further to farther margins of the city. A compassionate city is a city that respects through its policies and implementation thereof, equal rights- regardless of gender, class, race, religion and age. A compassionate city gives due respect and care and special attention to the poor, the children, women, PWDs and senior citizens. A compassionate city creates its charter with the people, especially the workforce, at the centre/at its heart. (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies? I think creating a compassionate city will begin from the state and its policies. I think we can create compassionate city little by little or step by step, by doing away with anti-people policies and start creating prop-people policies with the people. The blueprint of development can be a starting point- the people at the centre. As citizens or dwellers, it will be easier to be compassionate knowing policies lean towards creating that atmosphere of compassion- having jobs, opportunities for success, social services available, etc. shall lead to more compassionate people. I believe that people are compassionate in its core- but different challenges become hindrances for their hearts to shine forward. In cities like mine (Manila) for instance, it is not easy to smile when there is so much inequality around. The state perpetuates so much corruption and many crimes. However, many of us try to bond together as a community of people animated by care and compassion. We create different initiatives that bring compassion from within us towards others- teaching dance and drama 16

in marginalised communities for one, help facilitate empowerment for the poor to speak up and tell their stories. Dr Toshiyuki Doi (Bangkok, Thailand/Japan) (1) If there was something called a \"compassionate city\", what do you think-feel would constitute it? What aspects make a city compassionate? What are the signs of a compassionate city? Caring and sharing among all living things in the city, including visitors/outsiders, as well as specific conditions/infrastructures which are necessary (but may not be sufficient) to create such interrelationships, for instance, an appropriate size. Thus, I cannot imagine a compassionate mega-city. (2) Can we systematically create a compassionate city? Can we promote a compassionate city? What are some of the concrete activities city dwellers can do or avoid? Policies? I do not tend to believe any pre-programmed alternatives. Alternatives, including a compassionate city, can be built on what dwellers/people are already practising. In that sense, I do not believe one can systematically create a compassionate city. One can probably promote one by sharing and exchanging \"progressive alternative practices\" within and across cities and elsewhere. Policies do have a place as long as they foster enabling conditions of a compassionate city rather than trying to impose regulations and control over dwellers. (3) Any other thoughts? No. 17

Photo by Suraphat Nuea, www.-pexels.com 18