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
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, or mahakaruna, embodies profound empathy and unconditional love, driving bodhisattvas to aid all sentient beings in suffering. This essential quality reflects a strong commitment to alleviating others' pain and guiding them toward enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Bodhisattva's expansive empathy for all beings, guiding their practice and motivations in helping others.[1] (2) An altruistic disposition towards all beings, recognized as crucial for the bodhisattva's practice.[2] (3) The profound empathy and love a bodhisattva has for all beings, motivating their moral conduct and aspirations towards enlightenment.[3] (4) The profound feeling of empathy and concern that drives the bodhisattva to aid all beings in suffering.[4] (5) A key attribute of Buddhas reflected in their willingness to teach and help beings, stemming from a deep sense of empathy and care.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An attitude of deep concern and care for the well-being of all sentient beings, essential to the Bodhisattva's conduct.[6] (2) Another of the four limitless minds; the wish for all beings to be free from suffering.[7] (3) The deep empathy and care that the Buddha has for all beings, which informs his teachings and actions.[8] (4) An essential quality of the Bodhisattva path, embodying the desire to alleviate suffering in all beings.[9] (5) An essential quality of the Bodhisattva, characterized by deep empathy and the wish to alleviate suffering for others.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An all-encompassing love and empathy that the Buddhas have toward all living beings, with the aim of alleviating suffering.[11] (2) 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.[12] (3) The quality that practitioners are encouraged to embody in order to rescue living beings from the influence of demons and help them attain proper knowledge.[13] (4) A profound level of empathy and benevolence cultivated over lifetimes, essential for achieving sustained spiritual abilities.[14] (5) An expansive and selfless feeling of caring for all beings that is sought to be invoked by Tathagatas during spiritual practices.[15]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) An essential quality expected from those who practice dana, emphasizing kindness and empathy towards others, especially the suffering.[16] (2) A profound quality of bodhisattvas signifying a deep empathy and commitment to alleviating the suffering of others.[17] (3) The profound kindness and caring exhibited by the Tathagata which enables Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva to perform transformations and save beings from suffering.[18] (4) A form of deep empathy and love that drives bodhisattvas to actively work towards freeing others from suffering.[19] (5) A deep wish to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[20]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A deep-seated sense of empathy and desire to alleviate the suffering of all living beings.[21] (2) A vital virtue for the bodhisattva, signifying a deep empathy for all living beings.[22] (3) A significant quality attributed to the bodhisattva aimed at helping all living beings attain enlightenment.[23] (4) A key aspect of the teachings where one should exhibit deep empathy and care towards all living beings.[24] (5) A profound, selfless love that the bodhisattva holds for all living beings, free from mere emotional sentiments.[25]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The Buddha's profound empathy that inspires beings to seek liberation from suffering.[26] (2) An expansive and caring love for all living beings, urging one to alleviate their suffering and promote their well-being.[27] (3) The Buddha's vast and unconditional love and concern for all living beings, which drives his actions and teachings.[28] (4) A quality of the Buddha exhibited in his teachings and interactions, emphasizing care for all beings.[29] (5) The profound empathy and kindness that the Buddha wishes to share with all living beings to alleviate their suffering.[30]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) An attitude of deep empathy and awareness of the welfare of others, inspiring the merchant to sacrifice himself.[31] (2) The quality acquired by beings reborn in families endowed with the sixty qualities.[32] (3) An intense feeling of interconnectedness and concern for the suffering of all beings, especially cultivated by Bodhisattvas.[33] (4) An extensive and universal loving-kindness that resides in families blessed with Bodhisattvas, resulting in profound moral and ethical behavior.[34]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A significant quality of the Tathagata's rice, symbolizing the boundless and selfless love towards all living beings.[35] (2) A profound sense of empathy and concern for the suffering of others, essential in Mahayana Buddhism.[36] (3) An essential quality of Bodhisattvas that motivates them to alleviate the suffering of all living beings.[37] (4) Compassion that involves sharing one's merits and aspirations for the benefit of all living beings.[38]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) A central tenet of Buddhism, reflecting an altruistic desire to alleviate suffering in all sentient beings.[39] (2) The profound compassion of the Tathagata which motivates him to share the wisdom and knowledge essential for the enlightenment of sentient beings.[40] (3) A vital quality for bodhisattvas as they dedicate themselves to help all beings attain enlightenment.[41] (4) An essential quality of the Buddha, expressing the profound care and love he has for all sentient beings.[42]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) An emotional state of empathy and kindness, especially towards those who are suffering or less fortunate, prompting generous actions.[43] (2) The profound pity and kindness exhibited by Bodhisattvas like Earth Store, driving their mission to help others escape suffering.[44] (3) An essential quality of Bodhisattvas that drives them to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[45] (4) Deep and unconditional empathy that motivates Bodhisattvas to aid all beings in suffering.[46]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) An essential quality embodied by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, aimed at rescuing sentient beings from suffering.[47] (2) The profound and selfless love shown by the Tathagata and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, allowing them to rescue and deliver all suffering sentient beings.[48] (3) The essential quality that inspires individuals to offer help and support to those in need, leading to profound benefits in their future lives.[49] (4) An immense sense of empathy and kindness exhibited by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva towards suffering beings.[50]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) A profound sense of empathy and care for the welfare of all beings that grows out of the bodhisattva’s reflection on the nature of existence and thought.[51] (2) Great compassion is an essential quality of bodhisattvas that is a prerequisite for their accomplishment of the great way and knowledge of omniscience. It is characterized by selfless action, concern for all living beings, and a commitment to alleviating suffering.[52] (3) A primary focus of the bodhisattvas' meditation aimed at alleviating the suffering of all living beings.[53] (4) Boundless kindness towards all living beings, particularly emphasized in the context of a bodhisattva's aspirations.[54]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A profound feeling of kindness and care for all sentient beings, which can arise in individuals who have accumulated merit in previous lifetimes.[55] (2) An intense sense of empathy and concern for the suffering of others.[56] (3) The capacity of bodhicitta to disrupt the stream of suffering for beings across multiple lifetimes.[57]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) An essential aspect of the bodhisattva ideal focused on the deep empathy and wish to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[58] (2) The profound empathy that Avalokiteshvara embodies, motivating his teachings and interactions with beings seeking guidance.[59] (3) The profound compassion that motivates a Bodhisattva to strive for the enlightenment of all beings, considered absent in Hinayana traditions.[60]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) A profound and unconditional love for all sentient beings that motivates a bodhisattva's actions and teachings.[61] (2) A quality of the bodhisattva that leads them to teach sentient beings despite manifesting in a pratyekabuddha form.[62] (3) An essential quality of bodhisattvas, denoting a selfless desire to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[63]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A profound feeling of empathy and care for all living beings, encouraging actions that avoid harm and promote well-being.[64]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Great compassion is a conventional and mental state.[65]
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.[66]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An important quality or state of being that includes deep concern for all sentient beings.[67] (2) The quality of the Buddha showcased throughout the text, particularly in response to accusations and the needs of others.[68] (3) The profound feeling of care for sentient beings that motivates the Buddha to consider teaching them.[69] (4) A profound feeling of caring that motivates Bodhisattas to assist others, considered a proximate cause for the arising of the Ten Perfections.[70] (5) One of the key absorptions the Buddha dwelled in, signifying an immense sense of care and empathy towards all beings.[71]
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.[72] (2) A profound feeling of sympathy and concern for the suffering of others, exemplified by the goat's reaction to its impending death.[73]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Manifested by the Buddha towards individuals like Bhikkhu Vakkali, showing concern and teaching about the impermanence of all things.[74] (2) The feeling exhibited by Venerable Ananda as he sought to help the Sakyan ladies join the Order.[75]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The deep concern and empathy that virtuous individuals have for all sentient beings.[76]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The deep wish to alleviate the suffering of sentient beings, which is central to the path of enlightenment.[77] (2) A deep sense of empathy and care for the suffering of all beings.[78] (3) An essential virtue in Buddhist practice that involves profound empathy and care for the suffering of others.[79] (4) The blessing arising from the increasing white virtue of beings, enabling the presence of teachings and benefits.[80] (5) An important quality of a buddha that embodies deep caring and a desire to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings.[81]
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.[82]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) An essential practice emphasizing not abandoning living beings, particularly in the context of gcod.[83] (2) An important virtue exhibited by sangs rgyas yar byon, reflecting his concern and empathy for others.[84]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Great compassion is a profound quality cultivated by practitioners aimed at altruistically alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings.[85] (2) A universal and unconditional love and care for all sentient beings, arising from true understanding.[86]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) An essential quality to cultivate, encouraging benevolence towards all sentient beings.[87]
Hindu concept of 'Great Compassion'
Great Compassion in Hinduism embodies divine empathy and mercy, particularly exemplified by Lord Krishna's kindness towards devotees and all beings. This quality promotes spiritual liberation and highlights the benevolence of deities in alleviating suffering.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The empathy felt by the gods towards Rati's plight, leading to the revival of Cupid.[88] (2) The deep concern and empathy shown by Somasharman towards the suffering of his parents, regardless of their actions towards him.[89] (3) A quality attributed to a deity or individual, denoting deep empathy and kindness towards beings in distress.[90] (4) A profound feeling of empathy and care, particularly felt by the sage towards the suffering brahmana, Atmadeva.[91] (5) Describes the deep sympathy and concern that drives Agastya to help others in distress, particularly Rama and the cursed king.[92]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A profound sense of empathy and care for all beings, characteristic of divine figures.[93] (2) An essential quality that leads to spiritual liberation, shown through acts that promote the well-being of all beings.[94] (3) The profound kindness that Mahadeva felt when he appeared before Angaraka (Mars) in response to his penance.[95] (4) The quality attributed to Mahadeva which motivated him to fulfill the Devas' request for a leader.[96] (5) The quality of mercy and concern expressed by divine figures, particularly by Lord Krishna in response to the prayers of devotees.[97]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The feeling exhibited by Vasishtha towards Sarasvati, urging her to prioritize her safety in the face of Vishvamitra's threat.[98] (2) A deep and selfless concern for the well-being of others, often motivating generous actions.[99] (3) A sense of deep empathy and care, exhibited particularly by Yudhishthira and Arjuna, who prefer to avoid war.[100] (4) The genuine empathy and kindness exhibited by Yudhishthira towards those in need.[101]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The boundless kindness and benevolence that Krishna exhibits towards all beings and his devotees.[102] (2) A characteristic of Vyasa that reflects his empathy and care for the spiritual welfare of all beings.[103]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A plea directed to the goddess for her mercy and assistance in caring for the world.[104]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A pivotal quality of Suta that motivates him to narrate the divine tale to the listeners, highlighting his benevolence.[105]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A quality attributed to Krishna, shown through his actions towards Bhomasoor and his wives.[106] (2) A phrase used to highlight the compassionate nature of divine beings, particularly in granting boons.[107] (3) The divine mercy shown by Krishna to his followers, leading to their success and happiness.[108] (4) Akrura's characterization, indicating his kindness and concern for others.[109] (5) An aspect of Krishna's character, motivating him to care for his followers and restore happiness.[110]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The underlying kindness of the Lord, which is revealed through the seemingly harsh experiences faced by living entities.[111] (2) The deep sense of sympathy and care shown by the Lord towards Murari, setting the tone for the interaction.[112] (3) A profound sense of empathy and kindness that the Lord felt towards Advaita despite his punishment.[113] (4) The profound empathy exhibited by Murari Gupta towards living entities, highlighting his efforts to destroy nescience and cure their rebelliousness.[114] (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.[115]
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.[116] (2) A profound sense of empathy and mercy shown by a deity towards devotees, as revealed in the narrative.[117] (3) the deep and tender concern that Lord Ramacandra has for devotees, reflected in His desire to assist them.[118]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Lord's attribute of immense kindness and benevolence towards His devotees, ensuring He provides for their needs.[119]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) A characteristic of Lord Shiva, demonstrated by His willingness to grant Rama the divine vision to understand deeper truths.[120]