In each of our lives there is a circle. This circle encompasses those whom we care about. They are family and friends. Within the radius are those for whom we would drive across town to help change a flat tire. Those we are willing to feed and shelter. People to whom we could gladly loan money.

If we are right-minded souls, the circle continues to expand. New friends are welcomed into the circle. Their own circles begin to overlap with ours and a rich tapestry of friendships, families, and shared experiences develops over time. A full life could be measured by the number of people within one’s circle, and even the number of concentric circles that share space with your own circle. Happiness is found by having many for whom one cares about and having the widest circle possible. Bitterness and cynicism causes one’s circle to shrink.

Imagine for a minute there is no circle in your life. Not a small circle that only encompasses yourself, but rather an infinite, boundless space that encompasses every living person and thing. A stranger is cared for as one of your own family. Imagine the richness of such a life.