Questions tagged [compassion]
The compassion tag has no usage guidance.
1
vote
2answers
58 views
Lovingkindness and Compassion of the Buddha?
In an effort to understand the concept of lovingkindness it would help me to see how the Buddha explicitly described lovingkindness and specific acts of his unconditional compassion. I've heard from ...
1
vote
1answer
30 views
Feeling versus Analysis in Compassion Meditation
I believe I have read within the Dalai Lama's works that there exists (at least) two kinds of compassion meditation:
Generating the four abodes within oneself, in a more concentrative and affective ...
3
votes
4answers
94 views
How is one supposed to be compassionate and 100% free of suffering while others are suffering?
How is this possible besides if one simply doesn't mind if others are suffering?
But if one truly doesn't mind whether others are suffering or not isn't that a lack of compassion? Is one supposed to ...
1
vote
5answers
109 views
What are The Buddha's most compassionate acts?
Source could be from sutras or anything else. Thank you.
2
votes
2answers
45 views
Is it correct to say that true compassion (not trying to be) only manifest when there is wisdom?
That is to say that wisdom must come first before compassion.
3
votes
8answers
805 views
How to avoid apathy in the absence of self?
I have noticed in my meditation / mindfulness practice the following: as the idea of self dissolves, the ideas of compassion, happiness, sorrow, and basically everything that a "person" might ...
0
votes
4answers
144 views
If you cannot can save others then why is your practice more worthy than anything else?
If you have doubts on whether your practice (i.e. of the Eightfold Path) will free anyone from saṁsāra in your lifetime, then what reasons can you give for why your practice should take precedence ...
3
votes
5answers
236 views
are mundane acts of compassion meaningful?
Did the Buddha say anything of the value of mundane acts of generosity which may temporarily alleviate the suffering of others in a temporary, worldly way, but do not free others from from suffering?
...
3
votes
3answers
62 views
How important is motivation in determining the virtue/non-virtue of a karmic action?
I ask this question because I assumed the importance of motivation being paramount in determining the virtue/non-virtue of karmic action was widely shared among all traditions. Anyway, I'd like to ...
1
vote
5answers
104 views
What do ethical conduct (sila) and compassion have to do with the cessation of dukkha?
As I understand the Third Noble Truth, the cessation of dukkha is brought about by ending craving. I can see how, for example, practicing renunciation, or seeing no self, assist us in achieving this, ...
3
votes
4answers
148 views
Dhamma makes one dispassionate then how can one be compassionate?
Namo Buddhaya. After practicing Dhamma one becomes dispassionate. However Buddha says one should cultivate and practice Compassion. So am I not killing my own profit of dispassion by compassion?
My ...
2
votes
3answers
82 views
Judgment, Stereotyping, and Empathic Compassion
I am somewhat curious, following an answer to a previous question of mine, as to why understanding a person's background might inhibit judging them in a stereotypical way. I perceived this in my ...
1
vote
3answers
69 views
Most effective meditation techniques to develop empathy, love and compassion for others?
I feel like a very cold and sensual person. Easily attracted to sensual pleasure but very cold and numb when it comes to bonding with other human beings. I want to change, and therefore I want to make ...
3
votes
3answers
97 views
Compassion is a result of knowledge. But what about Courage?
We are all suffering. This knowledge results in compassion. Buddha was compassionate. And courageous too.
My question is : Is there any aspect of knowledge which results in courage?
3
votes
5answers
225 views
Are the physicists suffering?
Physicists are scientist who study the reality and draw conclusions about it scientifically. After studying what Buddha said it appears to me that Physicists are trapped in a wrong world. They believe ...
0
votes
3answers
95 views
Not breaking the first precept vs. developing compassion
In Theravada, we have established that eating meat does not break the first precept in many Buddhism SE questions (for example, this question and other questions linked in its comments).
However, ...
4
votes
8answers
190 views
Can someone address this critique?
I found a rather compelling critique on the Internet and would like to ask you to answer this. He probably misunderstood dukkha, however, he is somewhat right on the nihilism aspect of buddhism. In ...
1
vote
3answers
71 views
Am I feeling pity or compassion?
I'm confused. The 50+ year old nanny whom I hired to take care of my firstborn has just resigned a week ago. Before she left, I willingly gave her about 25% more than the salary we agreed upon. I also ...
0
votes
1answer
44 views
Tonglen - Exchanging Self and Other - Intersubjectivity
Dear friends, looking for parallels between the practice of Tonglen, and the Husserlian notion of Intersubjectivity, I have come upon this research paper by Natalie Depraz, Phd. Quoting from the ...
2
votes
2answers
79 views
Where and what to study - Buddhist compassion and business communication
I have a background in business studies and communication. I believe that what the Buddha taught about how we should communicate with each other compassionately can change the business world. I want ...
1
vote
3answers
122 views
What would be the motivation for an arahant to perform generous deeds?
In the early stages of the gradual training, the instructions point out to perform generous deeds out of compassion. Knowing that a arahant has no more any trace of desire or self-identification and ...
1
vote
4answers
72 views
How can we say no without giving explanations?
Let's say that a friend asks you if you want to go on a trip with him.
You have a bad feeling about it, your intuition raises a red flag. How do you say no without making up a fake excuse?
When I ...
5
votes
7answers
199 views
Saving the stink bug
Real question (this happened today). Imagine you're meditating by the fireplace. Outside is cold winter with snow. You have achieved a nice level of concentration, and suddenly you see a stink bug ...
1
vote
1answer
356 views
The monk who ignored his visiting wife and infant son
The following story comes in Udana 1.8.
It is about a monk by the name of Sanghamaji, who, when seated under a tree, was visited by his former wife, carrying their infant son. She tried several times ...
4
votes
4answers
192 views
Paths of Buddhism & Possibility of Compassion
I have read about different types of paths for spiritual aspirants. Namely:
Śrāvakayāna
Pratyekabuddhayāna
Bodhisattvayāna
Of the first, Asanga states their faculties are limited:
"...
0
votes
2answers
125 views
Why should I give a bowl full of rice to a monk if there is no rebirth?
If there is no rebirth, what is the response for a layman asking as below?
Oh, monk, I have been feeding you for ten years and I was told that my good deeds could secure me a better fortune on my re-...
0
votes
2answers
86 views
Self-Compassion and Wisdom
I have questions linked with wisdom and self-compassion.
(1) Does self-compassion arise from wisdom?
(2) Does self-compassion imply accumulating joys and happiness in a context of detachment and non-...
3
votes
5answers
297 views
Recurring Lack of Compassion
I am trying generally to follow the Mahayana path, with a union of emptiness and compassion. However, I experience clear problems with compassion. These manifest as : 1) general detachment from people ...
2
votes
2answers
49 views
Appreciating Nature Aesthetically
I recall reading somewhere that beauty is a lure within Buddhism, and causes attachment towards the external world. However, I've come to think beauty may be positive in certain circumstances. This ...
7
votes
5answers
857 views
How can I become less affected by politics?
since I started my buddhist practice some five years ago, I have made great advancements. I think I've become much more accepting and loving towards others. I used to be cynical and arrogant and I ...
4
votes
3answers
118 views
Two Extremes of Metta
I've practiced metta, or attempted to, with mixed results.
Sometimes I'm wondering even how to practice metta, and in my mind it feels like I'm just repeating "How can I develop compassion? How can ...
4
votes
5answers
235 views
Compassion and Wisdom
Does wise practice of compassion ever lead to suffering or bliss for the practitioner?
Is there a difference between compassion cultivated through the Brammaviharas and compassion cultivated through ...
4
votes
4answers
159 views
How to think about the four immeasurable minds?
I am curious about how to think about the four immeasurable minds in a practical way, please help me make sense of them (see detailed question below)
Background
In the book Teachings on Love by ...
1
vote
4answers
203 views
What does Buddhism say about pragmatic retribution?
I'd really like to buy into the ideas of understanding and patience even for those who hurt us. However my concern is that sometimes failing to engage in the tit-for-tat teaches that there are no ...
5
votes
7answers
122 views
Brahma Viharas Without Visualizing
I have a fairly straightforward question. When I visualize without aim, or even sometimes with aim, disturbing or aggressive images sometimes arise in consciousness. Can I practice meditations on the ...
2
votes
5answers
184 views
Barriers to Compassion
I think most would say that anger and prejudice are the main obstacles to compassion, but I'm wondering on the topic of sympathetic joy. If everything is empty, and suffering, and impermanent, how can ...
2
votes
3answers
803 views
Does Buddha go to Naraka (hell) to save those tormented beings?
I heard one regarded by many a Buddhist teacher said, "Buddha will go to Naraka to save those suffering (tormented) beings, whilst those (monks, buddhists) will want to go to the Purelands. That (...
9
votes
4answers
225 views
Hatred arising after a friend tried to make my fiancé cheat on me
Yesterday one of my fiancé's friends had a heart attack at 25 due to alcoholism. She stayed with him all night. When he was discharged she was sleeping at his house because she was too tired to drive ...
3
votes
2answers
78 views
What are the guides for lay followers, as to how far they should go to be compassionate?
How far should lay followers go, to help others?
There is no denying that we all have innate desire to ease suffering of others, but when it’s done without right understanding it may lead to a higher ...
4
votes
3answers
896 views
Feeding meat to pets is it a good karma or bad?
I switched my diet to complete vegetarian diet just out of compassion towards animals. However I am confused about feeding meat to my pet dogs. Feeding meat to one animal will directly or indirectly ...
12
votes
6answers
889 views
Meditation, compassion: How to handle people who dominate you in the office?
I have been doing meditation for long time and have felt a change in me. I have started developing strong compassion, and due to this I am speaking very politely to everyone and always agreeing with ...
3
votes
8answers
367 views
Even if those offended are just ignorant about the word “Hinayana”, why use it?
Why use a word thought by some to be offensive even if the meaning isn't meant to be offensive?
There is no other word that can be used? Would using another word (or phrase) be compassionate towards ...
1
vote
1answer
124 views
Why is nirvana not mara?
The term "non-duality" oft appears in Buddhist English language literature, both contemporary and in translation. e.g. it is sometimes claimed to be the cornerstone of Yogacara philosophy, and its ...
2
votes
7answers
274 views
What happens when your tank is empty, and you’ve got nothing left to give?
Today I happen to read the article “Charitable giving by country: who is the most generous?”
Then this question came up. When it comes to generosity, sometimes people look at what they’ve got and ...
4
votes
5answers
171 views
The fear of committing to a monastic lifestyle
I have a persistent fear of going without food that prevents me from giving monasticism a full shot.
Some background: I suffered for approximately 4 years with something called cyclic vomiting ...
6
votes
7answers
262 views
How to develop compassion while avoiding attachment?
The Buddha stressed compassion in his teachings. It seems that the more one tries to be compassionate towards people, a natural tendency of attachment develops. For example, it seems that if I try to ...
0
votes
1answer
94 views
Did the Buddha ever teach that we have a special responsibility to those we have injured?
I posted the identikit question to Christianity stackexchange, and was met with dumb silence.
Which, really, I was shocked by. E.g. the parable of the good samaratin:
Jesus answered, "A certain ...
4
votes
4answers
898 views
What are metta and karuna?
I'm wondering what these terms, mettā and karuṇā (loving-kindness and compassion), mean.
Are there suttas in which they're defined, otherwise where do the definitions come from?
Is there any ...
6
votes
3answers
202 views
Wisdom in practice
My day time job is with a Drug Helpline. This is an anonymous phone, chat and online Q/A service for drug and alcohol users and their relatives, friends, families and anyone with questions.
This job ...
2
votes
3answers
221 views
Cultivate wisdom or work on compassion?
People are different and have different skills and personalities. My partner is for example very good at visualization, she is very patient and also a fabulous cook! But she’s also a bit lazy (her ...
