Download buddhist view in compassion

BUDDHIST VIEW IN
COMPASSION
By:Ven. Miao Xin
Chung Tian Temple (International Buddhist
Association of Queensland)
Introduction
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In respond to: What is Mercy? What do these religions teach about
Mercy? How is Mercy lived / practiced by believers in these
traditions?
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The term mercy may designate both character and actions that
emerge as a consequence of that character. As a part of character,
mercy is demonstrated most clearly by such qualities as
compassion and forbearance. [Rudolf Bultmann, "Mercy" Theological Dictionary
of the New Testament, (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 1964), 2:477-87.]
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In the Bible a variety of Hebrew and Greek words are used which
fall within the general semantic range of the English word "mercy."
They include such terms as "loving-kindness” ,"to be merciful" ,
"to have compassion" , and "grace”. [ Colin Brown, The New International
Dictionary of New Testament Theology, (Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan Pub. House, 1975),
2:593-601.]
Compassion
Compassion
Ranked a great virtue in numerous
philosophies, compassion is considered in
almost all the major religious traditions as
among the greatest of virtues.
 Compassion is a mind that is motivated
by cherishing other living beings and
wishes to release them from their
suffering, and offer happiness.
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Compassion & Buddhism
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Compassion is the fundamental practice in
Buddhism
Especially, the Mahayana Bodhisattva path
requires Compassion as key practice. In the
《Prajna Paramita Sutra: “Bodhisattvas arise
compassion due to sentient beings’ suffering,
and generate Bodhi mind because of
compassion, and attain Buddhahood based
on the Bodhi mind (Bodhicitta).
Compassion is the main criteria for
practicing Bodhisattva path.
Compassion & Buddhism
《The Treatise on the Perfection of Great
Wisdom大智度論》mentioned 3 basic
kinds of compassion:
Compassion arises from understanding the
conditions in which sentient beings live and
suffer.生緣慈
 Compassion arises from understanding the
teaching of the Buddha. 法緣慈
 Compassion arises unconditionally for all
sentient beings, equanimity) 無緣慈

The Four Immeasurable States of
Mind
Also called “The Four Boundless States of
Mind”, “The Four Immeasurable”:
1. Loving kindness,
2. Compassion,
3. Joy
4. Equanimity.
Immeasurable Loving Kindness

Loving-Kindness is the feeling of caring
deeply about others, or the realization of
how profoundly we already do care about
them. Buddhist texts recognize many
kinds of loving-kindness, ie:
◦ Emotional and unemotional
◦ Constant and momentary
◦ Related and unrelated
Immeasurable Compassion
Compassion in Buddhism literally means
“removing the suffering of others”. It is a
companion to loving-kindness.
 Compassion can be understood in much
the same way as loving kindness.
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Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Avalokiteshvara
Bodhisattva (Guan
Yin) is the
embodiment of great
compassion. He has
vowed to free all
sentient beings from
suffering.
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
has great powers and can
help all sentient beings. His
skilful means are limitless
and he can appear in any
form in all the six realms
of existence to relieve the
suffering of the sentient
beings.
 He vowed to rescue those
who call on him when they
are in suffering, for
example, when caught in a
fire, shipwrecked or facing
an attack…
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Master Hsing Yun’s words on
Compassion
Ven. Master says: “One can have nothing, but
must have compassion”.
 “Happiness and peace come from
compassion and tolerance”.
 As noted in a Buddhist sutra, “Lovingkindness ends greed; compassion ends anger.”
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Master Hsing Yun’s words on
Compassion
Compassion is not a demand on others, nor is it a
standard by which we judge people. It is a way to
discipline ourselves.
 Compassion does not mean blind tolerance to
physical attack or verbal abuse. When justice is
threatened or when good people are being
slandered or attacked, we should stand up bravely
for them.
 Compassion is not a momentary emotion, but a
persistent service for others.
 Compassion is not just being kind only to our
friends and family, nor does it mean we are to
expect anything in return.
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How is Compassion practiced by
believers in Buddhism?
Three Good Deeds
Do good deeds with compassionate
hands;
 Speak good words with compassionate
mouths;
 Think good thoughts with compassionate
hearts.
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How is Compassion practiced by
believers in Buddhism?
The Four All- Embracing Virtues:
 Giving
 Speaking with kind words
 Conducting oneself for the benefit of
others
 Adapting oneself to others.
Conclusion
There are no enemies in the eyes of
compassion.
 Compassion brings good affinities.
 Compassion harmonizes self and others,
and is one with the universe.
 As the saying goes, tolerance fosters
greatness; with compassion and tolerance,
we can naturally unite people and create
many supporting conditions.
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