The Buddha’s Compassion
‘Go forth, bhikkhus, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, benefit, and happiness of men.’
Vimånavatthu I, 20
‘Of all the teachings, the ultimate is emptiness, of which compassion is the very essence. It is like a very powerful medicine, a panacea that can cure every disease in the world. And just like that very powerful medicine, realization of the truth of emptiness, the nature of reality, is the remedy for all the different negative emotions.’
Atiśa Dipankara Shrijnana (980–1054 CE)
Compassion
Compassion (karunā) is as important an aspectof the Path as Wisdom. The Buddha often spokeof compassion – understanding that there issuffering and doing what will best help to alleviatethat suffering – as the most beneficial and moralof all behaviors. Knowing that there is dukkha isthe strongest incentive for living a life of compassionatebehavior toward ourselves as well as toward others. Compassion for ourselves and compassion for others are not mutually exclusive.Progress on the Path to Enlightenment resultsin our developing progressively purified mentaldispositions and behaviors.The Buddha taught that developing wisdom andcompassion is essential if one is to find enlightenment.Moreover, like two wings that work togetherin flight, each of these qualities supports the other. Wisdom distinguishes beneficial from non-beneficial, while compassion moves us to action.
We are all Interconnected even with the Universe 