Can benevolence lead to compassion?

Every place you visit provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its people, culture, and cuisine. No amount of news or books can truly capture the essence of a place like being there in person and experiencing it. I wanted to share an aspect of Japan that intrigued me, considering it is one of the world's leading economies, yet many of the expectations I had were not intuitive.

During my exploration, I came across a book called "Bushido: The Soul of Japan" by Inazo Nitobe, which delves into the Samurai's way of life and their commitment to observing certain values both in their daily lives and vocations.

If you wish to truly comprehend the essence of this book, I encourage you to visit Japan. Allow me to share two experiences that exemplify the principles discussed in the book and shed light on the way of life there.

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On several occasions, when I asked locals for directions, I could have relied on translation or direction apps. However, what struck me was their willingness to go beyond that. They would accompany me, walking alongside me until they could guide me to my intended destination or lead me the right direction. This wasn't a one-time occurrence but rather a recurring act of kindness. It demonstrated a genuine concern for my well-being and exemplified the compassion inherent in their culture.

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Similarly, as my journey progressed, I found myself accumulating a surplus of coins. Seeking to lighten my load, I would pour out the coins at shops to pay for my purchases. To my surprise, the shopkeepers consistently selected the lowest denominations, ensuring that I would carry the fewest coins with me. This considerate gesture, repeated more than once, exemplified their understanding of the customer's convenience, and showcased their compassionate approach.