The Compassion Interviews is a project of mine at PeaceInRelationships.com. I am trying to interview the most compassionate people I can find to supplement the lack of compassionate role models in the media. With 10 interviews completed, I have to say that this project has changed my life. I’m realizing that compassion is the key to not only happiness, but also success and peace.
Father Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar and blogger for the Huffington Post. Author of over 30 books including Falling Upward and From Wild Man to Wise Man, Father Rohr has spoken around the world about Christian contemplative practices, male spirituality, radical compassion, and silence. He is founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In this interview we discuss:
- How we cannot just wish to be compassionate
- How to enjoy life by experiencing it at depth
- How technology can be an instrument for our liberation
- Why now more than ever wise elders are needed
- How powerlessness leads to real power
- The six big issues that the dualistic mind cannot process or deal with—love, death, suffering, infinity, God, and sex
- How Scripture supports Christ as a meditator
everyday gurus 
I’m saving this to listen to later. I followed your suggestion, when it was reinforced by another person recommending it the same day, and read Falling Upwards. Loved it. He obviously gets it! Looking forward to listening to what he has to say even though I hold some pretty big judgements about the Catholic Church and the things that have been perpetrated in its name. But he’s one of the really good guys. A true mystic. I don’t care what colour his robe is.
(((((hugs))))) Alison
Falling Upward is a perfect roadmap for my life, Alison. Yes, RR is catholic, but he is a very conscious Catholic. haha. Like he says, he is on the margins of the center which allows him to critique the status quo in the same way that St. Francis did. I’m looking forward to what you think about the interview. {{{Hugs}} kozo
RR, The Naked Truth. He’s awesome. I subscribe to his daily meditation. Cheers, Kozo.
Yay, Perpetua. I knew you would appreciate this. RR is a wonderful bridge for me between Christianity and contemplative practices. Thanks for commenting. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
I just want to say thank you Kozo for posting this- I live in Albuquerque, and have met Father Rohr, and he is AWESOME! He really gets the mind and I am always so inspired by what he is doing in this world. Big Love! Jess
I’m so jealous, Jess. If I lived in Albuquerque, Father Rohr might have a restraining order on me because I would be hounding him everyday for more guidance. I completely agree that he totally gets the mind. I would add that he gets the heart as well. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
You’re so funny! 😉 He does get the heart, in fact, I think my heart expanded greatly the whole time he spoke to my group! big love! Jess
What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Georgia. I’m going to be giving a talk on Raising Compassionate Boys in March. I’ll send you a flyer. Hopefully, you can come or send some students for extra credit. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
Richard is awesome….
I have been following him for 10 years now … And like fine wine he keeps getting better with age….
For the guys checkout MROP
Male Rites of Passage it was Richard
that started this life changing experience
If you are on Facebook check out the 7 Life Lessons inspired by Richard:))
Thanks for the leads, Anthony. Father Richard has so much quality stuff out there that I can’t believe he is not bigger than Oprah. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Wonderful! I loved his book – From Wild Man to Wise Man. Powerful.
Yes, I have that book on my desk right now. A must-read for all men. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
…and women, too. 😉
This is wonderful, Kozo – I have never heard of him before so thank you for introducing him to me! 😉
He’s pretty big, I got over 1,000 hits on the page because someone put it up on facebook. Hope you enjoy the interview, Dianne. {{{hugs}}} kozo
Kozo
I posted it to a list of MROP Brothers
from the PA, NJ, NY area and I noticed
the CAC posted a link on FB
Good job spreading the word;)
Did you attend an MROP Rite ?
Peace
Tony
Thanks for helping get the word out, Tony. I wasn’t able to attend a MROP rite, but I’m very interested in creating something similar for my two sons. Would love to hear about your experience.
Peace and {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Thanks Kozo
Here is the link to the MROP
That Richard started
http://illuman.org/rites-of-passage/
Also for your young boys there is a similar Rite in PA called Crossings.
Let me know when you are ready 🙂
Peace
Tony
Thank you for introducing him, I’ve now gone through some of his work and I find he’s a really inspiring man! I’m glad the world has gotten the chance to meet a few of the real Christians out there, instead of all of the more famous pseudo christians ruining our image.
I would say that he is a real human, GZ. He speaks and acts from his heart which is all Jesus asked us to do. I feel so blessed to have Father Richard in my life. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
It’s wonderful to be around wonderful people!
A great interview with some interesting well thought out questions. I have been following Richard for close to three years now and love his wisdom and insight. He speaks with such humility and yet with such penetrating truth. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Briony. Yes, Father Richard rings true. I feel blessed to have been able to spend some one-on-one time with him. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
My friend, you are a true “Joy Giver” !!!! Love this!!
Thanks, M. I think Richard Rohr is the true “Joy Giver.” 🙂 {{{hugs}}} kozo
Fr. Richard Rohr is an inspiration! My mother got me hooked on his daily reflections years ago & she finally got to attend a workshop in NM last spring. She stills talks about the experience. Fr. John Dear is another priest who lives in NM & works for social justice & nonviolence. Reading & reflecting on the books & writings of both of these men of faith & integrity has set my mind & heart on fire! So glad you got to do this interview!
Wow, what a lovely gift to share with your mother. Thanks for the heads up on Father John Dear. I will look him up. Maybe I could do an interview with him as well. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
That would be amazing! I think he’s currently in South Africa. Hugs back-atcha!
Kozo, Richard has been in my life since I was 19, for forty years this voice of the Father has strengthen and inspired my heart and mind. Thank you for spreading his voice, thank you for your voice.
Joyce Bonomini
Joyce,
I’m trying not to get jealous., but I can’t help feeling a little envy of you spending 40 years with Father Richard. I am late to the party, but am having an amazing time in his presence.
I have an article coming out about Compassionate Men that highlights Father Richard, that I hope will continue to spread his voice far and wide. {{{hugs}}} kozo