Compassion in the Three Leading Traditions of Buddhism

Abstract

Compassion is sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others.  Buddhas aim at relieving the suffering of the entire world. In all three leading traditions of Buddhism, compassion is given importance. In early Theravada Buddhism, compassion is a power for deep mental purification, supporting  inner freedom. In Mahayana Buddhism, compassion becomes the primary means to empower and communicate wisdom in which all are considered as one. Vajrayana Buddhism believes that there is spontaneous radiation of compassion from the inner core of mind. The necessity of compassion can not be escaped. The characteristic of compassion is a mental capacity, which, when cultivated and strengthened, empowers positive states of mind as we work for our spiritual upliftment. Each tradition of Buddhism has tried to form a systematic path for the development of compassion. Compassion and true spiritual knowledge are inter related to each other.