Questions tagged [compassion]
The compassion tag has no usage guidance.
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Buddha's Comment on Compassion Meditation
I think I recall reading about the Buddha saying that compassion meditation was far superior to compassionate action, hundreds (or some great number) times more. Is this accurate? What is the source ...
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5answers
510 views
How do you talk to someone whose loved one is dying?
What can you say to someone whose loved one (e.g. spouse or parent) is dying?
Assume if you can that in the West, e.g. Europe and America, although people (strangers) might have heard the first thing ...
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1answer
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Emotion in Compassion Meditation
I have a very simple question. Sometimes, I visualize in compassion meditation without feeling anything for the whole session. Sometimes, I feel a lot of affect and start even crying.
Should one ...
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3answers
278 views
Is the Buddhist path one of 'selfless offering' or 'inner kindness'?
Just expanding on this answer is the Buddhist path one of 'selfless offering of oneself and efforts' or of 'inner kindness' i.e. kindness to oneself. Or is it both or neither. I've come across both ...
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Should/Would the Noble Sangha let go of the Dhamma?
Supposed that respect, veneration and any kind of wisdom has gone missing; and that the Sangha has become a group of householder wearing robes; and the leaders of the Sasana are all but householders. ...
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2answers
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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 ...
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5answers
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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 ...
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4answers
101 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 ...
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5answers
112 views
What are The Buddha's most compassionate acts?
Source could be from sutras or anything else. Thank you.
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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.
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8answers
859 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 ...
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4answers
149 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 ...
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5answers
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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?
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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 ...
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5answers
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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, ...
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4answers
166 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 ...
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3answers
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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 ...
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3answers
76 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 ...
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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?
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5answers
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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 ...
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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, ...
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8answers
200 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 ...
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3answers
73 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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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3answers
129 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 ...
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4answers
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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 ...
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7answers
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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 ...
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1answer
528 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 ...
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4answers
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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:
"...
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2answers
127 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-...
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2answers
92 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-...
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5answers
299 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 ...
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2answers
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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 ...
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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 ...
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3answers
131 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 ...
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5answers
240 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 ...
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4answers
167 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 ...
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4answers
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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 ...
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7answers
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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 ...
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5answers
195 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 ...
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3answers
845 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 (...
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4answers
234 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 ...
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2answers
80 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 ...
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3answers
974 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 ...
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6answers
898 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 ...
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8answers
384 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 ...
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1answer
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
