On Road Rage and Compassion

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

In this (embarrassing) episode, long-time Buddhist practitioner Susan Piver describes an episode of road rage (her own) and the moment her rage turned into compassion. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with remembering Buddhist principles and everything to do with simply being human.

Discussed in this episode:

What are the Four Immeasurables?

Loving-kindness – Recognizing our shared humanity.

Compassion – Feeling others’ sorrow as our own.

Sympathetic Joy – Sharing in others’ happiness.

Equanimity – Maintaining balance amidst emotional ups and downs.

How Meditation Cultivates Compassion

Why is meditation so famously associated with compassion? How does sitting there, “doing nothing,” open your heart?

Instead of numbing emotions, meditation deepens our ability to feel.

It helps us break habitual emotional reactions and respond with awareness.

Compassion is Organic

It is not something we can turn on or off—it is our natural state.

On Road Rage and Compassion

Susan describes losing her temper in traffic but experiencing an instant shift in a split second when she began to confront the other driver. Compassion is not about excusing bad behavior but about recognizing shared humanity.

True compassion arises when we see others not as obstacles, but as people.

This reflection highlights how meditation is not passive but an active practice that transforms how we relate to the world.

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien
©Open Heart Project