Case Study #9
“Caroline’s Heart of Compassion”
One evening during the summer, as Caroline was sitting on her balcony, she noticed a young man waiting at the bus stop across the street from her house. He was about 17-years-old and dressed in every way that infuriates Caroline. His pants were dragging on the concrete and his underwear showed at least four inches. Caroline counted three tattoos on his muscled arms and a complement of pierced ears and eyebrows. Imitating her parents from thirty years ago, she thought, “What’s wrong with these kids today? Why do they want to look like that?”
As Caroline was manufacturing her own opinions about this young man, an older woman began to struggle across the street with oversize, heavy boxes. The young man noticed her too, and, as if it were the most natural instinct in the world, walked over and offered to help her. She gratefully released the boxes into his arms and led him to her car. He placed her belongings in the trunk, nodded, and turned to go, but in the most remarkable, touching way, the woman wrapped her arms around him and gave him a warm bear hug of a thank you. Then she drove away. He stood smiling a moment and returned to the bus stop. Within a minute of that tender exchange, he was aboard his bus, leaving Caroline alone on her porch to think about the extraordinary encounter she just witnessed.
This encounter struck home with Caroline because two days before someone had helped her in much the same way. Unlike many lucky travelers, Caroline can’t take carry-on luggage on planes because she can’t lift a great deal of weight. Having learned that she can’t take for granted that someone will help her stow baggage overhead, Caroline usually checks it – even though it often gets lost between connecting flights. On this particular day, however; her flight connections were so tight that she had to take her luggage on board. For most people, this is no big deal, but for Caroline, the anticipation of lifting suitcases causes her more anxiety than she can communicate. It actually gives her ice-cold hands and a racing pulse. Afterwards she usually gets excruciating neck, back and shoulder pain that lasts for days.
As Caroline braced herself in the aisle for the dreaded struggle, the man waiting behind her for his seat simply picked up and tossed her luggage into the overhead compartment. He had helped without her asking, without even knowing how much Caroline needed help. Her eyes filled with tears, she was so grateful. The man’s face flushed with embarrassment as she overreacted with her thanks.
Caroline spent much of that flight thinking how blessed she was by the man’s kindness. She was also able to relax for the rest of the flight knowing that he would repeat the favor by taking down Caroline’s luggage when the plane landed. Because of his help, Caroline would be able to lecture that evening without a sore, inflamed shoulder or back pain to distract her. Even though he would never know any of the reason for her gratitude, Caroline would always remember him.
Caroline realized that the encounter between the older woman with the boxes and the tattooed young man, paralleled the one between Caroline with her fellow passenger. She realized that what her anonymous friend had done for her was far more than the simple favor of placing her luggage in the overhead. He allowed Caroline to keep her dignity and peace of mind and body.
Using Chapter 16 as your guideline, address the following issues or questions as they relate to Buddhist Psychology:
How was Caroline experiencing the Four Noble Truths?
How does Buddhism interpret Caroline’s compassion for the young man at the bus stop, the man on the plane, and herself?
How can Caroline expand her compassion to include more of her world?
Rubric
Case Study Rubric
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome1. Provided a brief summary of the case study using APA format.
4.0 pts
Excellent
3.0 pts
Proficient
2.0 pts
Progressing
1.0 pts
Developing
0.0 pts
Unacceptable
4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome2. Answered questions at bottom of case study and included at least 3 citations using APA format.
4.0 pts
Excellent
3.0 pts
Proficient
2.0 pts
Progressing
1.0 pts
Developing
0.0 pts
Unacceptable
4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome3. Gave your personal reaction in the last section of your paper.
4.0 pts
Excellent
3.0 pts
Proficient
2.0 pts
Progressing
1.0 pts
Developing
0.0 pts
Unacceptable
4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome4. 2 full pages to 3 full pages long and written using APA format.
4.0 pts
Excellent
3.0 pts
Proficient
2.0 pts
Progressing
1.0 pts
Developing
0.0 pts
Unacceptable
4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome5. Free of spelling and grammar errors.
4.0 pts
Excellent
3.0 pts
Proficient
2.0 pts
Progressing
1.0 pts
Developing
0.0 pts
Incorrect
4.0 pts
Total Points: 20.0
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