Karuṇā (Sanskrit: करुणा; Pāli: karuṇā) is a foundational concept in Buddhist philosophy, representing compassion or the desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings. It is one of The Four Brahmavihāras (Sublime States), along with मेत्ता Mettā (Loving-Kindness), मुदिता Muditā (Sympathetic Joy), and उपेक्खा Upekkhā (Equanimity), and is considered essential for the cultivation of the bodhisattva ideal in Mahāyāna Buddhism.

Etymology and Meaning

The word karuṇā can be translated as “compassion” or “empathy,” and it refers to the deep, heartfelt wish that others be free from suffering. Unlike pity, which involves a sense of superiority over the suffering person, karuṇā arises from an understanding of the shared nature of suffering in samsara and the desire to act for the welfare of others.

In Buddhist thought, karuṇā is not limited to a mere emotional response; it is a boundless, active compassion that leads one to alleviate suffering wherever possible, both in direct action and through the cultivation of wisdom.

Role in the Buddhist Path

Karuṇā is central to both Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions. In Theravāda Buddhism, it is practiced as part of the cultivation of the Brahmavihāras, helping the practitioner to develop a selfless attitude toward others. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, karuṇā is a critical quality for the bodhisattva, one who aspires to attain enlightenment not just for themselves, but for the benefit of all beings.

The Bodhisattva ideal, a hallmark of Mahāyāna practice, emphasizes the importance of karuṇā as a driving force behind the wish to liberate all sentient beings from suffering. This compassion is coupled with prajñā (wisdom), as the bodhisattva must understand the true nature of suffering, impermanence, and emptiness (śūnyatā) in order to effectively guide others toward liberation.

Karuṇā and Wisdom

In Mahāyāna Buddhism, karuṇā is often paired with prajñā (wisdom), as both are necessary for enlightenment. Compassion without wisdom can become unskillful, while wisdom without compassion can be cold or detached. Together, they form the complete path to awakening: wisdom sees the true nature of reality, and compassion moves to alleviate the suffering caused by ignorance.

In Vajrayāna Buddhism, the union of karuṇā and prajñā is represented symbolically by the union of the masculine and feminine principles, where karuṇā is associated with the active, compassionate force and prajñā with the insight into emptiness.

Practice of Karuṇā

The practice of karuṇā begins with recognizing the suffering of others and generating a sincere wish for their well-being. This can be developed through meditation practices such as karuṇā bhāvanā (the cultivation of compassion), where practitioners focus on expanding their compassion from themselves to all sentient beings, including enemies or those who have caused harm.

Karuṇā is cultivated progressively, starting with personal relationships and extending outward to encompass all beings, ultimately embracing even those beyond one’s immediate sphere of influence. In this way, compassion becomes boundless (appamāṇā), transcending all limitations of self and other.

Karuṇā in Daily Life

In daily life, karuṇā manifests as actions that seek to alleviate the suffering of others, whether through kindness, generosity, or simply being present for someone in need. Practicing karuṇā also involves developing an attitude of empathy and non-judgment toward the suffering of others, recognizing that all beings are subject to the same conditions of samsara.

Karuṇā further extends to oneself, as self-compassion is crucial for personal well-being and the ability to help others. Without compassion for oneself, it is difficult to sustain genuine, selfless compassion for others.

Conclusion

Karuṇā is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice, embodying the wish to alleviate suffering for all beings. It is a boundless, selfless compassion that arises from understanding the nature of suffering and the interconnectedness of all life. Coupled with wisdom, karuṇā is a key virtue on the path to enlightenment and is central to the bodhisattva’s mission to save all sentient beings from suffering.

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