Significance of Kindness and compassion
Kindness and compassion in Buddhism are viewed as essential virtues crucial for spiritual development and the well-being of all beings. They promote a caring disposition, helping to purify aggression and alleviate suffering. Good students embody these qualities as they follow their guru’s guidance, reflecting empathy and benevolence in their interactions. Various Buddhist traditions, including Mahayana and Theravada, highlight their role in guiding behavior, fostering selflessness, and supporting the welfare of others, which is central to spiritual practices and moral actions.
Synonyms: Benevolence, Charity, Empathy, Generosity, Goodwill, Sympathy, Thoughtfulness, Understanding, Warmth, Humanity, Tenderness
In Dutch: Vriendelijkheid en medeleven; In Finnish: Ystävällisyys ja 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 'Kindness and compassion'
Kindness and compassion in Buddhism encompass unconditional love, empathy, and selflessness aimed at alleviating suffering. They are core virtues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, essential for spiritual growth and guiding one's actions for the well-being of all beings.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The guiding principles of Shyamaka's life, reflected in his actions towards his parents and all living beings.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The values that the Bodhisattva chose to suspend in pursuit of his objectives, reflecting a complex moral dilemma.[2]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The unconditional love and care that Buddhas display towards all living beings, helping them alleviate suffering.[3]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) The essential qualities of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas that guide their actions and teachings toward benefit all living beings.[4]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) Attitudes foundational to bodhisattva practice, promoting selflessness and the well-being of others.[5]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Core principles embodied by spiritual friends, reflecting their deep concern for the well-being of all sentient beings.[6] (2) Virtues characterized by the desire to help others and an empathetic understanding of their suffering.[7] (3) Virtues that promote a caring disposition towards all beings, essential in spiritual practices.[8] (4) Attributes that good students develop, reflecting their understanding of the guru’s guidance and their commitment to assist all beings.[9] (5) Qualities that are fundamental to spiritual growth, where kindness purifies aggression and compassion frees individuals from desires.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The virtues embodied by the royal stag and his siblings, highlighting themes of empathy and moral action.[11]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Qualities that should be embodied by individuals living according to Sila, promoting the welfare of all beings.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Kindness and compassion'
In Hinduism, kindness and compassion are essential virtues that promote empathy and benevolence, guiding behavior towards those in distress and serving as a means to cleanse sins through caring actions.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Virtues that the narrative suggests should guide human behavior, especially towards those who are grieving or in distress.[13] (2) Qualities of being considerate and empathetic toward others.[14] (3) The qualities of being caring and empathetic toward others, leading to benevolent actions.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Essential virtues that involve caring for others, which are emphasized as being crucial in the cleansing of sins.[16]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Virtues emphasizing empathy and benevolence in interactions with others, central to the teachings shared among spiritual figures.[17]