View Chapters

Book: Buddhism in Five Minutes

Chapter: 62. How Important is Compassion in Buddhism?

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.40804

Blurb:

Compassion (Pali and Sanskrit: karuṇā) is central to Buddhism, even to its very existence. Buddhism was founded when the Buddha decided to teach the Dharma, the truth that he had realized, out of compassion for all sentient beings caught in saṃsāra, the cycle of rebirth and inevitable suffering. Because understanding the Dharma is key to liberation from saṃsāra, the Buddhist tradition, which extols generosity, regards the gift of the Dharma as the highest gift of all.

Chapter Contributors