P.S.

In my previous post I was describing Karen Armstrong's new book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, and I may have misrepresented some information about it:

"As you read it, Armstrong advises us to work one step at a time, and not to move on to the next one until you have a firm grasp on the one you're on."

I should've been clearer on the "firm grasp" part. I realised afterward that if anybody was on the first step, learning about the history of compassion, or on the third step of having compassion for yourself, they could potentially stay there all their lives if they told themselves they did not have a "firm grasp" on the step. Then they would be absolved of any responsibility to move on to the next step and actually make progress. Just to be more specific, here's what Armstrong writes:

"Each step will build on the disciplines practiced and the habits acquired in those that have gone before. The effect will be cumulative. Do not skip any of the steps, because each one is an indispensable part of the process. And do not leave a step until the recommended practices have become part of your daily routine."

Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. Thanks, Karen! Once a step is firmly a part of your routine--which is something a little more concrete and measurable than the vague feeling of a "firm grasp"--then and only then do you move on. I know anybody who sincerely wants to practice loving kindness, equanimity and love on a daily basis wouldn't get confused, but we do have a great capacity for self-deception, and I especially didn't want to distort somebody else's work. A small quibble over wording, but it makes a big difference. Just read the book and see for yourself, okay?