Significance of Compassion
Compassion is defined across various spiritual traditions as a deep awareness of the suffering of others combined with a desire to alleviate that suffering. In Buddhism and Jainism, it represents a core virtue driving the actions of bodhisattvas and leaders, emphasizing empathy and kindness towards all beings. Hinduism also highlights compassion as a primary motive of creation, portraying it as essential to virtuous behavior. Furthermore, compassion is recognized in the practices of Yoga and Vedanta as a pivotal quality that fosters understanding and alleviates distress in others.
Synonyms: Empathy, Sympathy, Kindness, Understanding, Pity, Benevolence, Concern, Care, Solicitude, Humanity, Mercy, Charity
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'
Compassion in Buddhism, or karuna, embodies profound empathy for others' suffering and drives altruistic actions. It is essential for Bodhisattvas, motivating them to alleviate suffering and foster true moral virtue and awareness.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Karuna, an essential characteristic nurtured through moral virtue, contributing to the achievement of enlightenment.[1] (2) The concern and desire to alleviate the suffering of others, a fundamental quality of bodhisattvas.[2] (3) The attribute of deep caring and responsibility for the suffering of beings, which the bodhisattva seeks to fulfill with great intensity.[3] (4) A deep empathy for the suffering of others that motivates altruistic behavior.[4] (5) Compassion involves recognizing the suffering of all beings.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Described as a falsehood when it leads to coercive actions; true compassion aligns with the true will of sentient beings.[6] (2) An empathetic awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate that suffering.[7] (3) The deep and selfless concern for the suffering of others, motivating Bodhisattvas to take action to alleviate that suffering.[8] (4) Compassion, or 'karuna,' refers to the deep sympathy and desire to alleviate the suffering of others, a central tenet oftentimes embodied by the Bodhisattva.[9]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The quality developed by Maitrakanyaka after experiencing pain, driving him to wish for the suffering of others to be transferred to himself.[10] (2) The ability to empathize with others and act for their benefit, a sign of a good practitioner.[11] (3) The root and driving force behind the development of bodhicitta; an essential quality emphasized in the text.[12]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) A profound feeling of empathy towards others' suffering that motivates altruistic actions, especially acts of giving.[13] (2) A fundamental quality attributed to Bodhisattvas that drives them to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[14] (3) The fundamental quality that Earth Store Bodhisattva embodies, wishing to help suffering beings achieve liberation.[15]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) A noteworthy quality of Ksitigarbha that is described as great and incomprehensible.[16] (2) A deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a wish to alleviate that suffering.[17]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) A fundamental quality of bodhisattvas that drives their actions to alleviate the suffering of others.[18] (2) An essential quality in Buddhism, representing the desire to alleviate the suffering of others.[19]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A fundamental quality associated with the bodhisattva ideal, emphasizing the importance of caring for the welfare of all sentient beings.[20]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A deep sense of empathy and care for the suffering of others, fundamental to the Bodhisattva's path.[21]
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.[22]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The deep care and concern for the wellbeing of all beings, guiding the actions of bodhisattvas.[23]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The driving force behind the Buddha's decision to admit Devadatta into the Order, aimed at reducing potential suffering.[24] (2) A meditative quality focusing on empathy and concern for the suffering of others.[25] (3) One of the four noble abidings of the Buddha, reflecting his deep concern for the suffering of all beings.[26] (4) A key quality exemplified by the Buddha in his dealings with others, driving him to alleviate their suffering.[27] (5) A quality that is encouraged during the kappa-kolahala, highlighting the importance of caring for others.[28]
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.[29] (2) The empathetic feeling that compels one to alleviate the suffering of others, characterized by non-cruelty and emotional movement towards those in distress.[30] (3) A deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a desire to alleviate it.[31]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A sobhana cetasika that fosters a caring attitude towards others, arising when there is an opportunity to assist.[32] (2) Karuna, a quality that promotes the aspect of allaying suffering and is characterized by non-cruelty, recognizing helplessness in those overwhelmed by suffering.[33] (3) Compassion (karuna) is a wholesome mental state that promotes kindness towards others' suffering.[34]
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.[35] (2) The feeling that motivated the Buddha to intervene and help Angulimala, representing a core value in Buddhism.[36]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, leading to a desire to alleviate it.[37]
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.[38]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) An emotional state promoting goodwill and understanding towards others, particularly when dealing with grudges.[39]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A moral virtue (Brahmavihara) characterized by a deep awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate it.[40]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone stricken by misfortune, often prompting a desire to help.[41]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The desire to alleviate the suffering of others and to be moved by their pain, contrasting with feelings of wickedness.[42]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A key value embodied by the individual, emphasizing selflessness and the commitment to the well-being of others.[43] (2) An essential Buddhist virtue that the Dharmasvamin exemplified throughout his life and in interactions with others.[44] (3) An essential quality developed by ‘khrul zhig seng ge rgyal pa, reflected in his concern for all sentient beings.[45] (4) A key quality that zhang rin po che improved upon through teachings, essential for one's spiritual growth and understanding in Buddhism.[46] (5) The feeling that arose in the Dharmasvamin, leading him to cure lepers through his strong sense of empathy.[47]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) An essential quality displayed by awakened beings, allowing them to connect with others through the appearances of birth and suffering.[48] (2) The quality that drives Bodhisattvas and is necessary in the context of the secret mantras to prevent contradiction with pratimoksha vows.[49]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The emotional response that motivates individuals to alleviate the sufferings of others, often invoking the concept of 'No-soul'.[50]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A heartfelt desire to alleviate the suffering of others, serving as the cause for establishing true patience.[51] (2) A deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a desire to alleviate it.[52] (3) The quality of empathy and care towards the suffering of others, which is integral to the practice of a bodhisattva.[53]
Hindu concept of 'Compassion'
Compassion in Hinduism is an eternal virtue, characterized by empathy and kindness towards all beings. It inspires action, guides rituals, and motivates individuals to alleviate the suffering of others, reflecting profound moral and spiritual significance.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The sympathetic concern for the suffering of others, highlighting a moral virtue.[54] (2) The sympathetic concern for the suffering of others, which is a vital component of virtuous behaviour.[55] (3) Described as the highest virtue, it involves kindness and concern for others' suffering.[56] (4) The feeling of sympathy and concern that motivated Jajali to allow the birds to build their nest on his head.[57] (5) A deep awareness of the suffering of others, leading to a desire to help, as expressed by Sthanu regarding the destruction of creatures.[58]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A deeply felt sympathy and care for the suffering of others, deemed as the highest virtue in the text.[59] (2) A key value in the Jaina faith that emphasizes the importance of kindness and the protection of all beings.[60] (3) A deep emotional response from Vishnu, who feels for Alakshmi's plight and responds by going to console her.[61]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The element emphasized in the interactions among characters, demonstrating the importance of philanthropy and empathy in the context of spiritual practices.[62] (2) An eternal virtue that should guide all actions, ensuring that rituals are performed with a sense of empathy.[63]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Describes Rama's response to the crow by showing mercy, reflecting his noble qualities.[64] (2) Rama's empathy and understanding shown towards both friend and enemy, as illustrated by his actions to help Shardula.[65]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Krishna's deep empathy and concern for the victims of the demon, demonstrating his protective nature.[66]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with a wish to alleviate that suffering, characteristic of a devotee's attitude.[67] (2) An important feeling portrayed in the text that motivates the Lord to ask about Advaita Acarya.[68] (3) The quality exhibited by the Lord in the form of Buddha, aimed at helping and caring for others, particularly the faithful theists.[69] (4) A deep awareness of the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate that suffering through empathy and kindness.[70] (5) The quality exhibited by Gaurasundara in addressing those who feign devotion while engaging in discrimination against the Lord's true followers.[71]
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.[72] (2) A key aspect attributed to the great personalities that inspired devotees, allowing them to pursue spiritual teachings and practices.[73]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The deep, empathetic response of Shri Krishna towards the feelings and prayers of His devotees, indicative of His loving nature.[74]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The quality of Parabrahman that allows for the benevolent disposition towards His devotees, which plays a crucial role in their realization of Him.[75]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A sense of empathy and caring for others, considered a vital virtue in the pursuit of a liberated state.[76]
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.[77]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) An infinite quality of Brahman reflecting empathy and concern for beings.[78]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A quality of empathy and care for others' suffering.[79] (2) A desirable quality that not only serves personal fulfillment but also aids in spiritual liberation.[80]
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.[81]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) A vital emotion in the narrative, exemplified by the manifestation of Kubjeshvari.[82]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A quality reflecting the desire to alleviate the suffering of others, considered one of the moral qualities in the classification.[83]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A mindset and feeling of empathy and care for others that evolves as one integrates the teachings and principles of yamas into their life.[84]
Jain concept of 'Compassion'
In Jainism, Compassion is seen as a vital quality embodying empathy and kindness toward all living beings, crucial for leadership, motivating actions to alleviate suffering, and exemplified by the Blessed One's concern for others during his travels.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A fundamental quality of the Blessed One, indicative of concern for the suffering of others during his wanderings.[85] (2) Compassion (anukampa) is the emotional response of empathy towards the suffering of all creatures, driving one to strive to alleviate their pain.[86] (3) A quality the king cultivated, essential to his leadership and interactions with his people.[87] (4) An essential quality that involves empathy and kindness towards all living beings, emphasized as lacking in meat-eaters.[88]
The concept of Compassion in local and regional sources
Compassion encompasses a profound sensitivity to others' suffering and a desire to help, expressed in various contexts such as spirituality, personal relationships, and social responsibility, influencing elements in art, devotion, and empathy in human connections.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An important theme in Papanasam Sivan's songs, often sought from the deities he worships.[89] (2) An essential emotion that drives the young man's affection towards Vatsala, indicating a deeper bond than mere physical attraction.[90] (3) Sympathetic pity or concern for the sufferings of others, especially relating to familial and environmental ties.[91] (4) Sympathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others; kindness and understanding.[92] (5) A sense of empathy and caring for others' suffering, which was central to Sri Narayana Guru's work.[93]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A deep awareness of and sympathy for the suffering of another, often accompanied by a desire to help.[94] (2) The kindness and understanding Ramdas seeks from Shri Rama in his state of despair.[95]