Significance of Great Compassion
Synonyms: Profound mercy, Boundless kindness, Immense grace, Universal love, Empathy, Kindness, Mercy, Benevolence, Sympathy
In Dutch: Groot medeleven; In Finnish: Suuri myötätunto; In Spanish: Gran compasión; In German: Großes Mitgefühl; In French: Grande compassion; In Portugese: Grande Compaixão; In Italian: Grande compassione; In Polish: Wielkie współczucie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great Compassion'
Great Compassion in Buddhism embodies profound empathy and unconditional love for all beings. It's a driving force for alleviating suffering, promoting well-being, and guiding individuals toward enlightenment through selfless actions and teachings. This virtue is central to the path of Bodhisattvas.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Buddha possesses great compassion, leading to the role as the savior of the world and guiding beings towards liberation.[1] (2) The bodhisattva does not experience feelings of malice due to this quality.[2] (3) The Bodhisattva's expansive empathy for all beings, guiding their practice and motivations in helping others.[3] (4) An altruistic disposition towards all beings, recognized as crucial for the bodhisattva's practice.[4] (5) The profound empathy and love a bodhisattva has for all beings, motivating their moral conduct and aspirations towards enlightenment.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The text mentions a 'great compassion of oneness with all,' which is not truly attained by caring for small creatures as if they were one's own children.[6] (2) This is a key quality of the Buddha, and Ananda appeals to it, hoping that the Buddha will show compassion and provide guidance to help others overcome suffering.[7] (3) The text mentions the Buddha's heart of great compassion, which is the quality of the Buddha's teaching and guidance.[8] (4) An all-encompassing love and empathy that the Buddhas have toward all living beings, with the aim of alleviating suffering.[9] (5) Great compassion refers to the deep, unconditional love and empathy that the Tathagata embodies, which motivates the teachings aimed at helping others understand and navigate their suffering.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Just as you say, there are amongst those gathered here innumerable Bodhisattvas. But as these Bodhisattvas have heavy tasks to perform, such as the works of Great Loving-Kindness and this, they inevitably have busy hours to work, to train the retinues and to adorn their own bodies.[11] (2) A practice that beings in the Lands of all Buddhas will engage in, along with Great Loving-Kindness, due to the power of the Bodhisattva-mahasattva's prayer.[12] (3) An attitude of deep concern and care for the well-being of all sentient beings, essential to the Bodhisattva's conduct.[13] (4) Another of the four limitless minds; the wish for all beings to be free from suffering.[14] (5) The deep empathy and care that the Buddha has for all beings, which informs his teachings and actions.[15]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The bodhisattva attains the gate into the concentration of this for all beings called “Unhindered” through understanding every moment of existence is a way out.[16] (2) The intention is rooted in great compassion, and it is indefatigable, which is a characteristic of the property of purity of cause, and it is rooted in great compassion.[17] (3) This is a profound empathy that the bodhisattvas feel for all beings, especially when they hear the words of the profane, reflecting their commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting well-being.[18] (4) A characteristic that the bodhisattva uses to teach religion and to do away with the feelings of beings, which is done through skill in means, destroying all feelings.[19] (5) An essential quality of bodhisattvas that drives their actions and understanding of the nature of beings.[20]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) This is one of the qualities of Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, and the text highlights its importance. The text emphasizes his compassion, which is the reason he helps beings and guides them to liberation.[21] (2) An essential quality expected from those who practice dana, emphasizing kindness and empathy towards others, especially the suffering.[22] (3) A profound quality of bodhisattvas signifying a deep empathy and commitment to alleviating the suffering of others.[23] (4) The profound kindness and caring exhibited by the Tathagata which enables Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva to perform transformations and save beings from suffering.[24] (5) A form of deep empathy and love that drives bodhisattvas to actively work towards freeing others from suffering.[25]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A deep-seated sense of empathy and desire to alleviate the suffering of all living beings.[26] (2) A vital virtue for the bodhisattva, signifying a deep empathy for all living beings.[27] (3) A significant quality attributed to the bodhisattva aimed at helping all living beings attain enlightenment.[28] (4) A key aspect of the teachings where one should exhibit deep empathy and care towards all living beings.[29] (5) A profound, selfless love that the bodhisattva holds for all living beings, free from mere emotional sentiments.[30]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) This signifies a profound empathy and concern for the suffering of others, reflecting a deep sense of kindness and a willingness to alleviate the distress of others.[31] (2) The Bodhisattvas are radiant and filled with great compassion, showing their character.[32] (3) An attitude of deep empathy and awareness of the welfare of others, inspiring the merchant to sacrifice himself.[33] (4) The quality acquired by beings reborn in families endowed with the sixty qualities.[34] (5) An intense feeling of interconnectedness and concern for the suffering of all beings, especially cultivated by Bodhisattvas.[35]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) It refers to the profound empathy and sympathy that motivates actions to alleviate the suffering of others.[36] (2) An emotional state of empathy and kindness, especially towards those who are suffering or less fortunate, prompting generous actions.[37] (3) The profound pity and kindness exhibited by Bodhisattvas like Earth Store, driving their mission to help others escape suffering.[38] (4) An essential quality of Bodhisattvas that drives them to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[39] (5) Deep and unconditional empathy that motivates Bodhisattvas to aid all beings in suffering.[40]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The feeling that enabled Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to attain fruitions [in the Buddha-dharma], and the great vow he took.[41] (2) An essential quality embodied by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, aimed at rescuing sentient beings from suffering.[42] (3) The profound and selfless love shown by the Tathagata and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, allowing them to rescue and deliver all suffering sentient beings.[43] (4) The essential quality that inspires individuals to offer help and support to those in need, leading to profound benefits in their future lives.[44] (5) An immense sense of empathy and kindness exhibited by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva towards suffering beings.[45]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Great compassion is a motivation for a bodhisattva to point out a person's shortcomings if they are causing considerable harm to themselves, showing care for their well-being.[46] (2) A profound feeling of kindness and care for all sentient beings, which can arise in individuals who have accumulated merit in previous lifetimes.[47] (3) An intense sense of empathy and concern for the suffering of others.[48] (4) The capacity of bodhicitta to disrupt the stream of suffering for beings across multiple lifetimes.[49]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A significant quality of the Tathagata's rice, symbolizing the boundless and selfless love towards all living beings.[50] (2) A profound sense of empathy and concern for the suffering of others, essential in Mahayana Buddhism.[51] (3) An essential quality of Bodhisattvas that motivates them to alleviate the suffering of all living beings.[52] (4) Compassion that involves sharing one's merits and aspirations for the benefit of all living beings.[53]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Great compassion is a conventional and mental state.[54]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A profound feeling of empathy and care for all living beings, encouraging actions that avoid harm and promote well-being.[55]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The profound empathy and concern that the Tathagatas have for all beings, motivating them to share knowledge and assist in their liberation.[56]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The individual consistently and continuously cultivates a profound feeling of empathy towards all living entities, reflecting a deep understanding of their experiences and suffering, thereby fostering a desire to alleviate their hardships and promote their well-being through actions and deeds.[57] (2) An important quality or state of being that includes deep concern for all sentient beings.[58] (3) The quality of the Buddha showcased throughout the text, particularly in response to accusations and the needs of others.[59] (4) The profound feeling of care for sentient beings that motivates the Buddha to consider teaching them.[60] (5) A profound feeling of caring that motivates Bodhisattas to assist others, considered a proximate cause for the arising of the Ten Perfections.[61]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The profound empathy and concern exhibited by the Master, prompting him to help the miser find a path to charity and abundance.[62] (2) A profound feeling of sympathy and concern for the suffering of others, exemplified by the goat's reaction to its impending death.[63]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Manifested by the Buddha towards individuals like Bhikkhu Vakkali, showing concern and teaching about the impermanence of all things.[64] (2) The feeling exhibited by Venerable Ananda as he sought to help the Sakyan ladies join the Order.[65]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The deep concern and empathy that virtuous individuals have for all sentient beings.[66]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The eaves are the great compassion, representing the boundless empathy and concern for all beings.[67] (2) The deep wish to alleviate the suffering of sentient beings, which is central to the path of enlightenment.[68] (3) A deep sense of empathy and care for the suffering of all beings.[69] (4) An essential virtue in Buddhist practice that involves profound empathy and care for the suffering of others.[70] (5) The blessing arising from the increasing white virtue of beings, enabling the presence of teachings and benefits.[71]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A profound sense of caring and empathy exhibited by the Buddha towards all living beings.[72]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) An essential practice emphasizing not abandoning living beings, particularly in the context of gcod.[73] (2) An important virtue exhibited by sangs rgyas yar byon, reflecting his concern and empathy for others.[74]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) An essential quality to cultivate, encouraging benevolence towards all sentient beings.[75]
Hindu concept of 'Great Compassion'
In Hinduism, Great Compassion signifies divine and human empathy, mercy, and selfless concern. It's expressed by deities like Krishna and Shiva, and by figures like Yudhishthira. It drives benevolent actions, granting boons, providing for needs, and ultimately fostering spiritual liberation and well-being for all beings.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The feeling exhibited by Vasishtha towards Sarasvati, urging her to prioritize her safety in the face of Vishvamitra's threat.[76] (2) A deep and selfless concern for the well-being of others, often motivating generous actions.[77] (3) A sense of deep empathy and care, exhibited particularly by Yudhishthira and Arjuna, who prefer to avoid war.[78] (4) The genuine empathy and kindness exhibited by Yudhishthira towards those in need.[79]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A plea directed to the goddess for her mercy and assistance in caring for the world.[80]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A quality attributed to Krishna, shown through his actions towards Bhomasoor and his wives.[81] (2) A phrase used to highlight the compassionate nature of divine beings, particularly in granting boons.[82] (3) The divine mercy shown by Krishna to his followers, leading to their success and happiness.[83] (4) Akrura's characterization, indicating his kindness and concern for others.[84] (5) An aspect of Krishna's character, motivating him to care for his followers and restore happiness.[85]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The underlying kindness of the Lord, which is revealed through the seemingly harsh experiences faced by living entities.[86] (2) The deep sense of sympathy and care shown by the Lord towards Murari, setting the tone for the interaction.[87] (3) A profound sense of empathy and kindness that the Lord felt towards Advaita despite his punishment.[88] (4) The profound empathy exhibited by Murari Gupta towards living entities, highlighting his efforts to destroy nescience and cure their rebelliousness.[89] (5) A profound sense of empathy and kindness expressed by a person, as mentioned in the text where He spoke to everyone with great compassion.[90]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A profound sense of empathy and kindness exhibited by the divine towards devotees, emphasizing the importance of understanding this quality.[91] (2) A profound sense of empathy and mercy shown by a deity towards devotees, as revealed in the narrative.[92] (3) the deep and tender concern that Lord Ramacandra has for devotees, reflected in His desire to assist them.[93]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Lord's attribute of immense kindness and benevolence towards His devotees, ensuring He provides for their needs.[94]
The concept of Great Compassion in local and regional sources
Great Compassion, in this context, describes Perseus's capacity for deep empathy. It is a quality linked to his semi-divine nature, alongside his strength. This suggests that compassion is a key aspect of Perseus's character, complementing his ability to battle opponents.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The text notes that Perseus is capable of great compassion, as well as amazing prowess in contending opposing forces, which is a characteristic of his semi-divine temperament.[95]
The concept of Great Compassion in scientific sources
Great Compassion, in this context, embodies the core intent of Buddhadharma: to liberate all sentient beings. It is the driving force behind the teachings and practices.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The rank of the greatly enlightened tathagata delivers living creatures with this.[96] (2) This is entered into after learning great loving-kindness, representing a stage in the path to enlightenment.[97] (3) The intent of the buddhadharma is always to deliver all sentient beings in the spirit of this.[98]