“True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”

“On the one hand we are called to play the good Samaritan on life's roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life's highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring."A Time to Break Silence," at Riverside Church”

“Understanding begets empathy and compassion even for the meanest beggar - Oromis”

“Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of Being and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth.”

“The Beggar and the Monk - Paulo CoelhoA monk was meditating in the desert when a beggar came up to him and said:“I need to eat”.The monk – who was almost reaching the point of perfect harmony with the spiritual world – did not answer.“I need to eat”, insisted the beggar.“Go to the town and ask someone else. Can’t you see that you are bothering me? I am trying to communicate with the angels”.“God placed himself lower than men, washed their feet, gave His life, and no-one recognized Him”, the beggar replied. “He who says he loves God – who does not see – and forgets his brother – who does – is lying”.And the beggar turned into an angel.“What a pity, you almost made it”, he remarked before leaving.”

“O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars Are in the poorest thing superfluous. Allow not nature more than nature needs, Man's life is cheap as beast's. Thou art a lady: If only to go warm were gorgeous, Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need- You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!”