Karuna - Compassion In Buddhism>>Tibet Dharma

Karuna is the Sanskrit term for compassion. Compassion in Buddhism is the longing to alleviate the suffering of others, ideally all others. Karuna is one of the two core values in Mahayana Buddhism, along with Wisdom.

Karuna is considered necessary for enlightenment. Wisdom is the direct perception of reality, and totalizing wisdom, or union with the wisdom mind, is essentially synonymous with enlightenment. Without compassion, however, we lack the driving force to remain on the path until realization. In other words, enlightenment is not easy. It takes many lifetimes of effort. Therefore we need compassion to motivate us. We need to deepen this compassion in meditation and action to generate merit. This merit becomes fuel for our path.

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Our Compassion may be Different

In my meditation, karuna can be challenging. However, I once asked Khandro Rinpoche this question: “I am really serious about wanting to gain insight into emptiness and attain genuine realization, but I don’t feel a lot of burning compassion. Why don’t I feel that?”

“Your compassion,” she replied, “may not manifest in the way you think it will. It’s fine, keep going.”

I now see compassion as the wish to attain realization and share it with anyone who wants it. This is, unfortunately, the slowest path of compassion. The 3 paths are:

Monarch
Shepherd
Ferryman

The monarch seeks to attain enlightenment first, then bring all others along. The shepherd attains enlightenment along with others, simultaneously. The ferryman brings others across, willingly forgoing his own enlightenment in order to bring others across the ocean of samsara.

Curiously, by not thinking of oneself, enlightenment occurs much more quickly. It is worth noting that this is a Mahayana logic. The Vajrayana logic works differently, and is more focused on seeing innate enlightenment.

An important lesson I learned has to do with the word Com-Passion. Com meaning shared, like communal. Passion meaning longing or desire. In this case, we share the passion to escape suffering with the person who is suffering. In other words – we feel their pain.

Summary Karuna / Compassion

Concept	Description
Karuna (Sanskrit)	A core Buddhist term signifying compassion for all living beings.
Related Concepts	Ideas associated with Karuna:
* Compassion	The broader concept of feeling concern and sympathy for others’ suffering.
* Empathy	The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
* Metta (Pali)**/ Maitri	The Pali term equivalent to Karuna, emphasizing loving-kindness.
* Wisdom / Jnana / Prajna	Insight into reality, the core component of realization
* Metta Buddhism	Loving Kindness – key feature of Buddhism
Changchub/enlightenment	Attainment of irreversible realization, Buddhahood.
Position in Buddhism	Significance of Karuna in Buddhist teachings:
* Four Brahmaviharas	Karuna is one of the four sublime states, along with loving-kindness (metta), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).
* Path to Liberation	Cultivating Karuna is essential for developing bodhicitta (the awakened mind) and pursuing the Mahayana path of enlightenment to benefit all beings.
Practices to Cultivate Karuna	Techniques to develop Karuna:
* Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana)	Meditation practice focusing on sending well wishes and kindness to oneself, loved ones, neutrals, and even difficult people.
* Tonglen Meditation	A visualization practice where one breathes in the suffering of others and breathes out peace and well-being.
* Daily Actions	Integrating compassion into daily life through acts of kindness and helping others in need.
Benefits of Karuna	Positive outcomes of cultivating Karuna:
* Reduced Suffering	Compassion motivates actions to alleviate suffering for oneself and others.
* Increased Empathy and Connection	Karuna fosters deeper understanding and connection with others.
* Greater Sense of Peace	Compassion can lead to inner peace and a more positive outlook on life.
Karuna vs. Pity	Distinguishing Karuna from pity:
* Karuna	Involves active concern, respect, and a desire to help, recognizing the shared humanity.
* Pity	Can be condescending or judgmental, focusing on feelings of superiority rather than equality.

Note:

Pali term (Metta) included to show the connection between Sanskrit and Pali Buddhist traditions.

Karuna Related Terms

Core Concepts for Karuna

Buddhism (Religion)
Compassion
Metta (Pali)
Brahmaviharas (Four Sublime States)
Bodhicitta (Awakened Mind)
Loving-Kindness
Empathy
Suffering

Meditation on Karuna

Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana)
Tonglen Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation
Volunteer Work
Altruism

Benefits of Compassion

Reduced Suffering
Increased Empathy and Connection
Inner Peace
Greater Happiness
Sense of Purpose

How to cultivate Karuna
Karuna vs. empathy
The role of Karuna in Buddhism
Loving-kindness meditation for beginners
Practices for developing compassion
Benefits of compassion in daily life

Karuna Sanskrit

Karuna is a Sanskrit word (करुणा). It translates to compassion, mercy, or even self-compassion in the context of spiritual longing.

Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
Pronunciation: kuh-roo-NAH (with a short “u” sound)
Root: “kri” (to do, to make)
Literal Meaning: “to do something”

However, in the context of Karuna, the emphasis shifts from the action itself to the result – an action motivated by compassion. It signifies a deep empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering in oneself and others.

Here are some additional details about Karuna in Sanskrit:

Connection to Buddhism: Karuna is a central concept in Buddhist teachings, particularly in Mahayana Buddhism. It’s considered one of the four Brahmaviharas (sublime states) along with loving-kindness (metta), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).
Sanskrit Texts: The word Karuna appears frequently in various Sanskrit texts like the Pali Canon and the Mahayana sutras.

Buddha Quotes on Compassion

“All beings tremble before violence. All fear death. All love life. See yourself in others. Then whom can you hurt? What harm can you do?” – Buddha
“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering.” – Buddha
“Kindness is the greatest strength. By kindness you can conquer even the fiercest enemy.” – Buddha
“A single act of love has the power to redeem an entire lifetime of mistakes and failures.” – Gautama Buddha
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela (often misattributed to the Buddha, but reflects Buddhist teachings on compassion)
“Through compassion comes liberation.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy yourself, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama XIV
“The more you are aware of suffering, the more compassionate you become.” – Dalai Lama XIV
“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” – Gautama Buddha (often paraphrased)
“Let compassion be your shield and loving-kindness your sword.” – Ajahn Brahm

Compassion in Buddhism

Compassion, often referred to as Karuna (Sanskrit) or Metta (Pali), is a cornerstone of Buddhist teachings. It’s more than just feeling sorry for someone; it’s a deep empathy combined with a strong desire to alleviate suffering in oneself and others.

Here’s a deeper look at Compassion in Buddhism:

Four Brahmaviharas: Karuna is one of the four sublime states (Brahmaviharas) cultivated in Buddhist practice. The others are loving-kindness (metta), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). These states cultivate positive emotions that contribute to inner peace and well-being.
The Path to Liberation: Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, where one delays their own enlightenment to help all beings achieve liberation. Cultivating compassion is essential for this path.
Practices: Several practices nurture compassion:
- Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana): Sending well wishes and kindness to oneself, loved ones, neutrals, and even difficult people.
- Tonglen Meditation: Visualizing breathing in the suffering of others and breathing out peace and well-being.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Developing present-moment awareness allows us to see suffering more clearly and respond with compassion.
Benefits: Cultivating compassion:
- Reduces suffering for oneself and others.
- Fosters deeper connections with others.
- Increases empathy and understanding.
- Leads to greater inner peace and happiness.
Examples: The Buddha himself exemplified compassion throughout his life. He taught all beings deserved happiness and freedom from suffering.

Compassion vs. Pity:

It’s important to distinguish compassion from pity. Compassion involves respect, understanding, and a desire to help, while pity can be condescending or judgmental.

Additional Points:

Compassion extends to all beings, not just humans.
There are various teachings within Buddhism that delve deeper into compassion, such as the Six Perfections (paramitas), which include generosity and patience, which support the practice of compassion.

Compassion is more than just a virtue in Buddhism; it’s the driving force behind the entire Mahayana tradition. By cultivating compassion, we not only alleviate suffering in the world but also pave the way for our own liberation and a more peaceful world for all.

Compassion in Hindu Philosophy

Compassion is a core principle in Hinduism, known as Karuna (करुणा) similar to Buddhism. Here’s how compassion manifests in Hinduism:

Scriptures: The concept of Karuna is emphasized in various Hindu texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Deities: Many Hindu deities embody compassion. For example, Lord Shiva is known for his forgiveness and mercy, while Vishnu is the preserver and protector.
Dharma: Fulfilling one’s Dharma (duty) often involves acting with compassion towards all beings. This includes helping those in need, practicing non-violence (ahimsa), and treating all creatures with respect.
Karma and Liberation: Acting compassionately creates positive karma, which helps one achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).

Here are some key ways compassion is expressed in Hinduism:

Dana (Charity): Giving alms to the poor and needy is considered a sacred act of compassion.
Seva (Selfless Service): Devoting time and energy to volunteer work or helping others without expecting anything in return is a form of Karuna.
Annadana (Offering Food): Providing food for the hungry is a common expression of compassion in Hindu society.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence): This central tenet of Hinduism emphasizes avoiding violence in thought, word, and action, reflecting compassion for all living beings.
Navarasa (नवरस) Art: Aesthetic tradition to connect in emotional ways with the audience.

Stories and Examples:

King Shravan: A famous story tells of King Shravan, who unknowingly served his blind parents water by carrying them on his shoulders on a pilgrimage. This exemplifies filial piety and compassion.
Lord Krishna and Sudama: The story of Lord Krishna washing the feet of his impoverished friend Sudama highlights the importance of seeing beyond social status and treating everyone with respect.

Compassion vs. Daya:

Daya (दया): While often translated as compassion, Daya can also imply pity or condescension. True Karuna involves empathy and a desire to alleviate suffering without judgement.

Compassion is a fundamental value in Hinduism, shaping how Hindus interact with the world and strive for spiritual liberation. It goes beyond mere kindness and extends to a deep respect for all living beings.