Significance of Compassion
Synonyms: sympathy, Empathy, Kindness, Understanding, Pity, Benevolence, Concern, Warmth, Caring, Tenderness., Sympathy, Humanity, Mercy, Sensitivity, Warmth.
In French: Compassion; In Dutch: Medeleven; In Finnish: Myötätunto; In Spanish: Compasión; In German: Mitgefühl; In Swedish: Medlidande; In Malay: Belas kasihan; In Polish: Współczucie; In Portugese: Compaixão; In Italian: Compassione
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Compassion'
In Buddhism, compassion is a profound empathy for others' suffering, motivating selfless action to alleviate it. Embodied by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, it is a driving force for goodwill, understanding, and the wish for liberation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Compassion describes Velama's motivation for giving gifts to the assembly, transitioning from respect to compassion when he understood they were unworthy of his homage.[1] (2) Compassion (karuna) is one of the four limitless minds that constitute the brahmaviharas, which is essential for cultivating boundless positive emotions.[2] (3) The white elephant demonstrated compassion by protecting the hunter who shot him and by offering his tusks, showcasing his extraordinary nature.[3] (4) The Buddha possesses great compassion, leading to the role as the savior of the world and guiding beings towards liberation.[4] (5) It is a quality (mahakaruna) by which a bodhisattva saves beings and causes them to obtain the Triple Vehicle, utilizing skillful means (upayabala) to transform silver into gold.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) It is an aspect of Bodhicitta where one focuses on the benefit of others by committing to free sentient beings from suffering.[6] (2) It is a feeling of concern for the suffering of others, it is essential for developing bodhicitta.[7] (3) It is one of the four states of Brahma and one of the four immeasurables; it is the wish for all beings to be free from suffering.[8] (4) This is an aspect of bodhicitta, involving the desire to liberate all sentient beings from their suffering, and is characterized by the focus on benefiting others and the steadfast resolve to free all beings from suffering.[9] (5) The quality developed by Maitrakanyaka after experiencing pain, driving him to wish for the suffering of others to be transferred to himself.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) This is a virtue that the Bodhisattva has been full of for innumerable long kalpas past.[11] (2) Described as a falsehood when it leads to coercive actions; true compassion aligns with the true will of sentient beings.[12] (3) An empathetic awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate that suffering.[13] (4) The deep and selfless concern for the suffering of others, motivating Bodhisattvas to take action to alleviate that suffering.[14] (5) Compassion, or 'karuna,' refers to the deep sympathy and desire to alleviate the suffering of others, a central tenet oftentimes embodied by the Bodhisattva.[15]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Compassion is an attribute of Earth Store Bodhisattva, exemplified by his vows to not become a Buddha until the hells are empty and all beings are saved.[16] (2) A profound feeling of empathy towards others' suffering that motivates altruistic actions, especially acts of giving.[17] (3) A fundamental quality attributed to Bodhisattvas that drives them to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[18] (4) The fundamental quality that Earth Store Bodhisattva embodies, wishing to help suffering beings achieve liberation.[19]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) "Compassion" is described as the Buddha's bright compassion, which individuals can unite with through their life-breath and light, allowing them to return to the Buddha's light of compassion.[20] (2) It is requested from the World Honored One. Ananda hopes that the World Honored One will show this and instruct those who have not yet awakened, rescuing them from their distress.[21] (3) This is the virtue that can rescue living beings from their distress, and the great Arhats were extremely kind and compassionate.[22]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A quality that fills the Bodhisattvas as they pass through all the ten bhumis for the worlds.[23] (2) A deep sense of empathy and care for the suffering of others, fundamental to the Bodhisattva's path.[24]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) A noteworthy quality of Ksitigarbha that is described as great and incomprehensible.[25] (2) A deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a wish to alleviate that suffering.[26]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The intention of compassion is tied to the imperishability of practice, and it is reflected in the bodhisattva's actions aimed at benefiting and bringing happiness to living beings.[27] (2) The deep care and concern for the wellbeing of all beings, guiding the actions of bodhisattvas.[28]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Karuna; an essential quality for a Bodhisattva that involves empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of all living beings.[29]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) This is something that a monk, dedicated to meditation, walks in wisdom, the greatest of perfections, they embody compassion, and yet, with no notion of a being to be compassionate to.[30]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) This is a virtue that pervades all Dharma realms, highlighting its essential role in spiritual practice and understanding.[31]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The Buddha has this on all beings, which guides his speech and actions.[32] (2) It is one of the two factors, along with Wisdom, into which all the paramis are counted.[33] (3) It was out of compassion for the bhikkhus that the Buddha limited the area of vassa dwelling for the bhikkhus to the neighbourhood of Vesali.[34] (4) The Bodhisatta suffuses all beings with this, not making any discrimination, and wishing to take upon them all suffering.[35] (5) The absorption of Compassion was a state the Buddha entered, allowing Him to foresee events and understand the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences.[36]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A deep awareness of and sympathy for the suffering of others that can help dissolve feelings of resentment.[37] (2) The empathetic feeling that compels one to alleviate the suffering of others, characterized by non-cruelty and emotional movement towards those in distress.[38] (3) A deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a desire to alleviate it.[39]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A sobhana cetasika that fosters a caring attitude towards others, arising when there is an opportunity to assist.[40] (2) Karuna, a quality that promotes the aspect of allaying suffering and is characterized by non-cruelty, recognizing helplessness in those overwhelmed by suffering.[41] (3) Compassion (karuna) is a wholesome mental state that promotes kindness towards others' suffering.[42]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Compassion is one of the two illimitables. It is considered an immeasurable quality.[43] (2) This is another factor listed in the text, which arises separately and occasionally, indicating a specific mental state or quality.[44] (3) The desire to alleviate the suffering of others and to be moved by their pain, contrasting with feelings of wickedness.[45]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The feeling that might motivate one to associate with foolish individuals for their betterment, but with a mindful detachment to avoid contamination.[46] (2) The feeling that motivated the Buddha to intervene and help Angulimala, representing a core value in Buddhism.[47]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) It is also known as karuna, it is the opposite of dosa, and involves thoughts of delivering others from suffering.[48] (2) A moral virtue (Brahmavihara) characterized by a deep awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate it.[49]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, leading to a desire to alleviate it.[50]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A state of empathy and concern that a monk must maintain when reproving another, indicative of a moral and caring attitude.[51]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) An emotional state promoting goodwill and understanding towards others, particularly when dealing with grudges.[52]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone stricken by misfortune, often prompting a desire to help.[53]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering, leading to teaching others.[54]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A quality that the Samgha is asked to show towards the person requesting the upasampada ordination, to draw them out of the sinful world.[55]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The nature of compassion is the root or seed of all dharmas without remainder, and it yields fruits of goodness, has a nature of peace, and is the cause of enlightenment.[56] (2) Compassion is a motivating power directed towards those who are well-urged but do not listen, as the text suggests that one should always be motivated by the power of compassion.[57] (3) It blooms in the soil of kindness and is likened to various kinds of flowers that open and blossom.[58] (4) It is a feeling that should be present before meditating on joy. After beings have been moistened by compassion, then meditation on joy can begin.[59] (5) It benefits beings through higher perceptions, arising from sadness and extraordinary renunciation for samsara.[60]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is one of the Four Immeasurable States of Mind.[61] (2) Compassion is the feeling of sympathy, and at the gathering of the Buddha Shadow, the benevolence of the Buddha’s compassion is obvious, and the Buddha showed compassion.[62]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) It is cultivating it by not abandoning living beings, which is a core aspect of religious injunctions.[63] (2) A key value embodied by the individual, emphasizing selflessness and the commitment to the well-being of others.[64] (3) An essential Buddhist virtue that the Dharmasvamin exemplified throughout his life and in interactions with others.[65] (4) An essential quality developed by ‘khrul zhig seng ge rgyal pa, reflected in his concern for all sentient beings.[66] (5) A key quality that zhang rin po che improved upon through teachings, essential for one's spiritual growth and understanding in Buddhism.[67]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A feeling of concern or sympathy for the suffering of others; the ordainer is assumed to have this, but it is questioned prior to creation.[68] (2) This is a virtue, alongside wisdom and gentleness, that is not commonly exhibited in the world and does not arise independently, unlike other behaviors.[69] (3) The emotional response that motivates individuals to alleviate the sufferings of others, often invoking the concept of 'No-soul'.[70]
Hindu concept of 'Compassion'
In Hinduism, compassion is a key virtue reflecting Brahman's benevolence, a quality of deities like Rama and Krishna, and essential for devotees' spiritual liberation. It encompasses empathy, kindness, and alleviating suffering, guiding actions and practices.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A deep feeling of sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.[71] (2) The characteristic of a look that evokes a strong emotional response, causing individuals to lose awareness of their physical presence and experience intense happiness.[72] (3) Compassion refers to the profound empathy and caring exhibited by Shri Gauracandra, which had such a strong effect that it could soften even the most resistant materials.[73] (4) Compassion is the driving force behind Gaurahari's actions, motivating him to provide rice, cloth, and money to those in need without hesitation.[74] (5) A feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others, particularly those in vulnerable or misunderstood situations requiring understanding.[75]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) This refers to the Lord's boundless empathy and mercy, an attribute that inspires devotion and is central to the teachings within the text.[76] (2) This is one of the eight symbolic varieties of flowers employed by votaries for worship, along with non-violence, control over sensory organs, forgiveness, meditation, penance, knowledge and truth.[77] (3) The trait of the Lord invoked by the Nayaki, according to Pililian, and reflected in the songs.[78] (4) Compassion is a quality of the Lord, described as an ocean of it towards the devout who witness His glory.[79]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It is the quality of being understanding and forgiving, extended towards those who are considered servants and are dependent.[80] (2) It is also described as mercy, which is bestowed upon an individual by Krishna.[81] (3) This is a characteristic that strengthens and enriches resoluteness, making it more profound.[82]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, often leading to a desire to help others.[83] (2) A key aspect attributed to the great personalities that inspired devotees, allowing them to pursue spiritual teachings and practices.[84]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The deep, empathetic response of Shri Krishna towards the feelings and prayers of His devotees, indicative of His loving nature.[85]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A quality of Narahari Thakura, who has a heart overcome with compassion for conditioned souls.[86]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Compassion, referred to as karuna-rasa, influenced Shri Narada, causing him to speak softly and draw the narrator close, showing his deep empathy and understanding in the provided content.[87]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Abstention from injury as regards all creatures in thought, word, and deed, kindness, and gift, are the eternal duties of those who are good, and all these support Truth and strengthen it, showcasing the depth of Truth.[88] (2) A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.[89] (3) The text regards a Brahmana who is full of compassion, observant of candour, and pure in birth as deserving of gifts, highlighting the importance of these qualities.[90] (4) The righteous are of opinion that forgiveness and truth and sincerity and it are the foremost of all virtues. That person who always practices truth and self-restraint and sincerity and it succeeds in attaining to heaven.[91] (5) Arjuna's understanding inclines towards compassion.[92]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) On account of Rama’s love and compassion, people bear each other affection and pity.[93] (2) Compassion is a quality unknown to Sugriva, as mentioned in the provided text describing the character's shortcomings and moral failings in the narrative.[94] (3) Describes Rama's response to the crow by showing mercy, reflecting his noble qualities.[95] (4) Rama's empathy and understanding shown towards both friend and enemy, as illustrated by his actions to help Shardula.[96]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A sense of empathy and caring for others, considered a vital virtue in the pursuit of a liberated state.[97]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The instruction given to the Asuras, denoted by the syllable 'Da', urging them to be kind and have compassion for others, countering their cruel tendencies.[98]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) An infinite quality of Brahman reflecting empathy and concern for beings.[99]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A quality of the Lord, sought through prayer, signifying mercy and understanding towards His worshippers, superseding the need for memory.[100]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A principle included in ethical behavior that supports holistic health and promotes well-being and longevity.[101] (2) Gratitude practices were included where students were to finish the session with three things that they are grateful for, to develop not only a positive growth mindset but to also develop this and recognition and gratitude for what they already have rather than what they do not have.[102]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) A feeling that good physicians must show for ailing people, along with a friendly attitude and love for patients.[103]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Compassion is one of the three feelings, and the power of compassion comes from habituating the mind to feel compassion towards those who are suffering, aiding in lifting creatures out of pain.[104]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Compassion is described as disinterested desire for the removal of other’s troubles, signifying a selfless concern for the well-being of others, thus compassion motivates actions aimed at alleviating suffering without personal gain, driven by pure desire.[105] (2) A quality reflecting the desire to alleviate the suffering of others, considered one of the moral qualities in the classification.[106]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Compassion is a quality shown by Shiva in the dream, who is moved by Queen Vasavadatta's concerns about her child, and it is a driving force behind his intervention and guidance.[107] (2) The man of noble soul, an incarnation of a Bodhisattva, is defined by his "compassion", which drives him to build a hut in a forest and rescue living beings in distress.[108]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The primary motive behind the creation of the world by the Supreme Being, which pertains to the alleviation of suffering.[109]
Jain concept of 'Compassion'
In Jainism, compassion embodies empathy for all beings' suffering, a core quality of enlightened figures like the Tirthanatha. It motivates alleviating pain, exemplified by acts of generosity and ethical leadership, contrasting with actions lacking kindness.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A key component of dharma, which is among the lords of a person, suggesting a foundational virtue that guides ethical behavior and moral decision-making.[110] (2) This is a feeling of empathy and concern for others. When Candasena had seen Priyadarshana, sad-faced, this was aroused in him, according to the narrative.[111] (3) A characteristic that a religion should be endowed with, according to the sadhus' instructions to the king.[112] (4) Kumbha is an ocean of compassion. A young ascetic was compassionate by nature with a sympathetic eye.[113] (5) It is an ocean with the water of compassion, referring to the nature of the second blessed Tirthanatha.[114]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) This is a deep feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others, motivating one to avoid causing harm to living beings through actions like cooking.[115]
The concept of Compassion in local and regional sources
Compassion is a deep sympathy for others' suffering, driving Humanist morality, meditation, and empathy. It's a virtue sought from deities, promoting kindness, understanding, and service to others, essential for human connection and happiness.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Compassion is identified as an essential quality of the Rishi, Bodhisatwa, Master, and Mother, driving them to help the struggling, sorrow-ridden world and preventing them from being indifferent to the fate of human beings.[116] (2) Compassion is demonstrated by Sundari through her service to the destitute and distressed, reflecting a transformation in her love and a dedication to alleviating suffering in the world.[117] (3) Compassion is a virtue, alongside tolerance, that the editorial seeks to revive, highlighting its significance in society.[118] (4) The provided text suggests people must extend compassion, respect, and warmth, highlighting the importance of empathy and kindness in fostering positive relationships and ethical behavior.[119] (5) It is the quality released by the Buddha, leading to the opening of hospitals for humans and animals.[120]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) God looks with an eye of compassion upon those who are His bhaktas, indicating a divine attribute of empathy and concern for the well-being of devotees in the world.[121] (2) Compassion is a key attribute, as God is described as the Home of compassion, illustrating the divine empathy and care for the helpless.[122] (3) It is a deep feeling of empathy and concern that motivates divine beings to alleviate suffering and offer solace to their devotees.[123] (4) Compassion on all creatures is identified as the fourth and superior form of bathing, but it is rare to find someone who has performed this bath.[124] (5) The text requests for 'Thee' to have this upon the speaker to relate stories.[125]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Compassion is a concept that is introduced during meditation practices, along with love, rejoicing, equanimity, ugliness, and mindfulness of breathing.[126]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Compassion is the feeling of doing good to others, and doing good to others out of compassion is good, but the service of all beings in the spirit of the Lord is better.[127]
The concept of Compassion in scientific sources
Compassion is empathy and concern for others, vital for healthcare, social accountability, and alleviating suffering. It involves understanding humanity and is a core motivation in various practices.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) This is a key attribute, particularly for fellow beings, leading to the experience of others' suffering and a feeling of having lived many years due to shared pain.[128] (2) the extent to which individuals view others with care, concern, and tenderness, and extend support, help, and understanding toward another, measured by a scale, with higher scores indicating greater inclination to feel caring.[129] (3) Sympathetic concern for the suffering of others, potentially fostered by an intrinsic component of religiosity, is a value that can be promoted through religious teachings and practices.[130] (4) The provided material references qualities such as compassion, and these concepts are associated with certain religious and cultural traditions within the context of the text.[131] (5) This is one of the gendered qualities that women were portrayed as Buddhist deities with, such as mercy, and nurturance.[132]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Compassion holds significant value in higher education learning and embodies a virtue present in many religions, encapsulated in the ethical principle known as the Golden Rule.[133]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) An attribute that needs to be fostered to reduce burnout.[134] (2) It is a feeling of deep sympathy and concern for others who are suffering, often accompanied by a desire to alleviate their pain or distress.[135] (3) This is based on adopting a position of acceptance and empathy and a proactive attitude in the communication with the children to satisfy their needs and provide comfort in the moments when positive affection must be promoted.[136] (4) Mindfulness is viewed as a context through which this is achieved, necessary for both the motivation to engage with suffering and the skill to alleviate it.[137] (5) Compassion is a practice involving sensitivity to the suffering of oneself and others, with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it, promoting the activation of regions of the positive affect system, according to the text.[138]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Feelings for the Suffering of Others and the Environment: Compassion Fosters Proenvironmental Tendencies Environ. Behav 2016 , 48 , 929–945.[139] (2) Compassion involves feeling for others and wanting to alleviate their suffering, and it is considered a key element in the transition from empathy to pro-environmental behavior.[140]
From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
(1) It deals with the provision of during periods of heightened stress, distress and anxiety within care.[141] (2) Compassion is identified as a crucial element of social accountability, contributing to enhanced quality of service delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations.[142] (3) This refers to the feeling of empathy and concern for others, which is considered a fundamental aspect of caring, as expressed by different groups.[143]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) It allows not only for patients, but also for other professionals and themselves, and it is connected to professional competence and commitment.[144] (2) The feeling of empathy for others, and staff training in compassion is recommended to improve healthcare.[145]
Classical concept of 'Compassion'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The feeling of pity and concern shown by some individuals towards the trapped wild animal, leading them to provide sustenance and prolong its life.[146] (2) A feeling experienced by a farmer towards a snake, which motivated the farmer to provide warmth and care, despite the potential dangers involved.[147]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) Ulysses hoped the Cyclops would take compassion upon him and further him on his way home, but instead, the Cyclops continued to ramp and rave most intolerably.[148]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) Compassion has removed itself from the steward, who does not show compassion to the wretched man whom he has destroyed.[149]