What is compassion in your own words. The meaning and development of the quality of compassion in humans. See what “compassion” is in other dictionaries

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Compassion is a person’s ability, with the help of the energy of Love, to understand the suffering of another person and help him

Not every person is capable of compassion. For this you need. Those who have this power manifested through kindness, truthfulness, and humanity are capable of compassion. This quality of character and personality is characteristic only of spiritually strong and exalted people. This is absolutely helping other people.

True Compassion requires action, not sentiment, a person with the true intention of compassion provides real help, and is determined to do everything that is humanly possible and even beyond it for another, absolutely selflessly. Compassion is when, having seen an accident, you stop and with your skillful actions help people. Compassion is when you do for others out of a sense of responsibility, kindness, and a sincere inner desire to help! The decision and actions for help, as a rule, come from you absolutely automatically at the subconscious level. This is real compassion.

Compassion can be shown with kind words. First of all, through a warm look, touch, abstract word.

“Compassion is a manifestation of Love. It should become the essence of your attitude towards other people and influence all our thoughts and actions,” says the Dalai Lama.

Compassion is an active life position, ready to actively help another. Pity and Sympathy are different; they do not imply a desire to help and understand the suffering of another person.

Remember a very important rule and conditions for showing Compassion - You need to make sure that the person wants help!

Compassion and kindness go together, but they have some differences. Kindness is when you show kind feelings towards a person, satisfying his needs, doing what he wants.

Compassion gives a person not what he wants, but what he needs.. Often the sufferer wants what is harmful to him. A compassionate person will give a person what is useful, what is useful to him.

Compassion is the basis of humanity. “ Compassion is the highest form of human existence,” said Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky

Compassion is a quality of consciousness that is either present in a person or not. It is determined by a strong desire to help. Compassion does not condemn anyone. Compassion is your ability to put yourself in the place of the sufferer and understand him. Compassion fills a suffering person with the energy of true Love.

Compassion is the ability to take another person's point of view. Only a person under the influence of the energy of goodness can understand another person. This does not mean that he thoughtlessly adopts all his life principles.

A compassionate person understands that each person has his own level of consciousness, his own level of development. Compassion helps a person within the framework of his own Kindness.

Many vices are disguised as compassion - Sentimentality, but a dedicated person will easily detect fakes, tearful pity and encouragement.

When dealing with counterfeits, a person feels tired, hopeless and pessimistic. By the way, suffering is sent down to a person so that he can learn certain life lessons, understand where he was wrong, and find the strength to cope with the difficulties and challenges of fate.

Compassion is a word that many people are familiar with first-hand, but what compassion really is, as well as how it is understood in different cultures, we have to find out in this article.

What is compassion? The meaning of the word "compassion"

The meaning of the word “compassion” is often understood in a somewhat one-directional way, namely, they consider compassion to be a synonym for the word “sympathy”, which, in general, is true, but only to the extent that by compassion we understand the typical, generally accepted concept of sympathy for another, for neighbor, and as a result - co-experience with his problems and misadventures.

In this case, we are talking exclusively about compassion/empathy at the emotional level. "How else?" - a reader brought up in the Western European cultural tradition, to which Russian culture partially belongs, will ask. Also, do not forget that the Western European tradition is primarily based on Christian values. By losing sight of this, we would be making a big mistake, because no matter how much a person emphasizes his disbelief in a higher power and signs as an atheist, nevertheless, his upbringing was influenced by a tradition that, one way or another, is based on Christian moral principles. values: kindness, decency, tolerance, empathy, selflessness, etc.

You can continue to try to deny the fact that these factors influence a person’s development, but it is impossible to deny the obvious thing that we live in the space of a single information field, and at the moment this is much more clear than before (with all the abundance of media platforms, social networks, the possibility of instant transfer of information, etc.). Thus, the individual is always under the influence of another environment, another consciousness. At the same time, it is interesting to note that no matter how different the conditions of our formation and differences in social status may be, most of us are under the influence of a single information space, and, as we know, our chronology is counted from the Nativity of Christ, which says a lot.

Among our readers, there may be fans of the Slavic chronology. They turned to the more ancient heritage of Rus', and rightly so. But such turns in consciousness do not occur at the age of 10 years, when the psyche is flexible and can be influenced from outside, thus changing the value system that has not yet had time to take shape. Therefore, even such people, these converts in adulthood, think in the paradigm in which they were raised - Christian.

For most of us, compassion is sympathy or pity caused by the suffering of another person. This is also part of empathy. A person with a soul will have compassion and empathize with the misfortunes of another. This is natural and normal. But again, let us emphasize once again that by defining compassion in this way, we have not for a moment gone beyond the level of the emotional sphere. However, a person is not only emotions, although in our culture the opposition of intellect and feelings is very common. In fact, one does not exist without the other, and in psychological science this question is akin to the age-old debate about which came first: the chicken or the eggs. So it is in psychology: what comes first - emotion or intellect. Psychology does not give an objective answer to this question, since those who study this science are divided into a kind of “party,” each of which defends one side or another and gives arguments in defense of its position. But the mystery has not been completely dispelled, because there is probably no mystery or question in this, and intellect and emotions relate to each other like two sides of the same coin, and trying to separate them is to a certain extent incorrect. However, science loves to engage in dissection, hence such searches for “truth” there; it is impossible and unnecessary to make a choice. Let's turn to other sources, less scientific on the one hand, but having much more extensive experience in matters related to the study of various human conditions and studying in detail the consciousness of living beings, namely, we will turn to such a philosophical and religious teaching as Buddhism.

Compassion is the highest form of human existence

What does Buddhism tell us on this topic?

In Buddhism, the topic of compassion is treated very comprehensively, and the reader may be interested to know that compassion at the feeling level is only the first level of compassion on the scale accepted in modern Buddhism.

The second level of compassion, according to Buddhism, is related to phenomena. To explain this interpretation of compassion, it would be appropriate to introduce the reader to the fundamental concept of Buddhism: “dukkha” (suffering). All problems of human life, one way or another, are explained by the presence of suffering in life, while suffering should again be understood not only physical or psychological, but also in general the imperfection of existing things, its conditionality. Only overcoming through awareness of this conflict can free one from dukkha.

The doctrine of dukkha lies at the core of the Buddha's philosophy. It is called the doctrine of. Thus, the second level of compassion is directly related to the concept of dukkha, which can also be attributed to how we perceive the world, namely, through the prism of our ideas: we cannot see the true essence of things, and therefore the world in which we live , can't be real. It is only a projection of our ideas and attitudes, which is why it is called an illusion. We, in fact, build this world ourselves, we ourselves create the illusion and live in it. Awareness of all this leads to the realization of dukkha.

However, there is a third level of compassion that goes beyond not only the individual human, but also the realm of phenomena, and leads us to the so-called objectless compassion, not aimed at anything. It sounds paradoxical, but this is the case. It is almost impossible to talk about the third, and most important, compassion in words, because words will involuntarily send us to the area of ​​intellectual-emotional, but we should go beyond this area, namely, go to the transcendental area, i.e. to where the concepts of good and evil do not exist, to the region where duality ends and, therefore, the attraction of samsara ceases, and we are very close to nirvana (nibbana) - psychological freedom and moksha.

Now let's look at how compassion and its connection with wisdom are viewed in different areas of Buddhism. Just like in Christianity, there is no unity of views in Buddhism, therefore, the once single direction of Buddhism is now represented by many branches, three of which are the most famous and are directly related to the teachings of compassion and wisdom, and therefore have paid the most attention to the explanation this condition. These are Theravada or Hinayana Buddhism ("Small Vehicle"), Mahayana Buddhism ("Great Vehicle") and Vajrayana Buddhism, more common in the Tibetan area and otherwise referred to as "Diamond Way Buddhism". Three Buddhist methods - we will call them that, because in general they differ from each other precisely in the method, but they have the same goal - the liberation of a person from samsara and the achievement of moksha (freedom).

Feelings of Compassion in Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana

We will start with Theravada. Theravada or Hinayana, as the most ancient branch of Buddhism as a religion, considers the issue of compassion along with wisdom. However, for Hinayana Buddhists, compassion is not a separate path; to a certain extent, it is included in the concept of wisdom. Again, it must be said that wisdom should not be understood as applied knowledge or knowledge in general from the point of view of ordinary life.

We are talking about wisdom as the comprehension of truth that stands above the reality of human life in its physical manifestation. We come to the question of working with consciousness and switching it to another level, where consciousness ceases to identify itself not only with the physical aspect of existence, including intellect and emotions, but also completely disidentifies with the self or what is used to being called the ego, “I”.

Thus, compassion does not act as an independent line or path in the Theravada direction, but rather is immanent in the concept of wisdom, which is presented as the highest goal on the path to nirvana.

The Mahayana, with its less rigid approach, which in some ways could be described as more accessible to the practice of adepts, on the contrary, quite clearly states that compassion, along with wisdom, are the main paths in the practice of Buddhism. The path of compassion is not related to wisdom, it is understood as a separate path and is equal to wisdom.

Why does the Mahayana place so much emphasis on compassion? Because, according to this tradition, Buddha is not the only one who achieved enlightenment. Before him there were many arhats who were able to cognize truth and wisdom, but Buddha has something that the arhats did not have: compassion. In the same way, people who have embarked on the path of enlightenment (bodhichitta) and those who have achieved it, but who wish to stay and not go into nirvana, in order to help the remaining, unaware individuals get rid of dukkha (suffering) and also achieve liberation - such people are called bodhisattvas , first of all, they practice that third type of compassion, transpersonal, standing above duality and allowing one to equally suffer with both those who have done good and those who have done evil.

For bodhisattvas it is one. There is not much difference between positive and negative. The difference exists from the point of view of an ordinary person, because he is accustomed to being guided by two categories, he is accustomed to living in a world of duality, which, first of all, speaks of the imperfection of the assessment system of the person himself, his vision (it is largely an illusion), and in no way at least cannot be a measure of the truth of the state of things and the world order.

In this case, the following expression, first expressed by St., is applicable. Augustine: “One teaches out of love for others, and one learns out of love for truth.” It should not be surprising that a similar concept is quite applicable to Buddhism. This is precisely what applies primarily to Buddhism, because Buddhism does not divide. He teaches us to see things “as they are,” their unity and interconnectedness, interdependence, since there are no things in the whole world that are independent of one another. From here we see a connection with such a concept as shunyata (emptiness), but not physical emptiness, but emptiness in the understanding of liberation from something. Buddha taught the Dharma out of compassion in the highest sense of the word (of course, not out of pity for humanity, which, of course, could have been, but then the Buddha would no longer be the teacher).

In the Vajrayana tradition, great importance is attached to intrinsic factors, since it is believed that wisdom and compassion are innate qualities of a person that connect him with “Buddha nature”. Buddha nature is pure, just like human nature, because man by definition is a Buddha in the future, a potential Buddha. The Vajrayana movement believes that a person initially has unconditional positive characteristics, such as boundless compassion and wisdom, so there is no need to even cultivate them, because they already exist in their pure form. The point is to clear them of layers, allow them to manifest, become aware of them. The concept of compassion is associated with awareness, because compassion itself is an inherent and inherent sign of awareness and awakening. Once the mind is freed from self-concepts, compassion manifests itself.

So, we have looked at three schools of Buddhism, and each has a special approach to the interpretation of compassion. One thing remains unchanged: compassion is not understood from the point of view of the sphere of feelings. Secondly, compassion of the 3rd level, where we have gone beyond the dual interpretation of existence, always goes along with wisdom and the achievement of nirvana (psychological freedom). Compassion of the highest, unconditioned level is to some extent a characteristic of enlightenment and transition to nirvana.

Instead of a conclusion

In this article, we briefly covered the topic of compassion as it is understood in Buddhism. In order for readers to understand the topic in its entirety, we recommend further reading other materials on the topic of Buddhism, as this will allow them to study the context in which the topic of compassion we have discussed is located.

The article uses information from the book by a famous researcher of Buddhism and the Vedas.

These concepts have a rather vague definition and cannot be measured quantitatively or qualitatively. One of these concepts is the feeling of compassion. inherent in each of us. Let's figure out how to distinguish it from other feelings, and what is good about compassion for a person's personality.

"What rain is to fire, compassion is to anger"

The feeling of compassion is something that each of us knows. As soon as a child begins to talk and explore the world, he already experiences the entire range of sensations familiar to an adult. Of course, these emotions are many times stronger than what people who have lived experience.

The baby's anger is strong, his love is boundless, and with compassion, he cries and longs to help. It is not known why people are able to experience sensations that are inaccessible to animals. The ordinary instincts of other representatives of the animal world cannot compare with love, hatred, jealousy, and pity. Perhaps all these manifestations of “humanity” are a great gift or voice of our soul. Compassion in this case is one of the most powerful melodies of the spiritual song in our heart.

Compassion - what is it?

Let's try to describe what it's like. When we see the pain of a friend or stranger, this sight resonates in us with the voice of compassion. This is expressed in the desire to provide help, sympathize, and console with a kind word or deed. Compassion is not a completely pleasant feeling, since, without experiencing any physical or moral influence from the external environment, we nevertheless suffer. On the other hand, it is considered very virtuous for the spiritual development of a person.

What else is the feeling of compassion expressed in? It's not just about understanding someone else's pain. It manifests itself in sensitivity to others, attention to their problems and experiences and, of course, help. Perhaps the highest goal of compassion is to provide all possible help to those suffering. No matter how wealthy you are, you are eloquent. It is believed that seeing a person in need of something is a sign for each of us, saying that he needs to help him with everything possible that we have.

Where did compassion come to us from?

This feeling is not new at all. Feelings of compassion are something that arose along with love for others from the very beginning of a person’s formation as an individual. A completely natural reaction of a normal person is to help someone who needs help. All religions talk a lot about compassion and the importance of developing this quality in oneself. Regardless of which god believers consider theirs, everyone knows that compassion is completely right and healthy for the soul. And any religion prescribes helping those who need it. We are talking not only about our family and friends, but also about complete strangers.

Compassion today

The modern world does not encourage compassion. However, there is no point in blaming the world; those who live in it are to blame. From childhood, children are implanted with the idea that “it’s either you or you,” that they need to fight for a place in the sun. Let the parents raise the child in love, but there is school, teachers, peers, aggressive television and the Internet. As many believe, conscience and compassion are rather atavisms that prevent us from living a full life. The little man very quickly realizes how much he needs, and most often he does not have it. Compassion prescribes sharing, giving what you supposedly don’t have enough for yourself. We say “supposedly” because if you are healthy and surrounded by the love of loved ones, then you have everything you need.

A new phone or branded clothes will never make you happy, no matter what advertising promises. But you can make the mother of a sick child, an old grandmother or orphans in an orphanage happier with a small personal contribution. But this is very difficult to understand and even more difficult to do.

Don't go to extremes

However, in addition to widespread callousness, there is also a downside to excessive compassion - grief and despondency. There are people who, instead of being happy with what they have and sharing their happiness with others, are constantly sad. The feeling of compassion in them is exaggerated. Such individuals see only grief around them, and this plunges them into a state of chronic depression. Such a feeling does not bring anything useful for the development of the soul, but only harms. will not allow himself to be discouraged, just being healthy. Therefore, compassion is useful only in its “pure” form.

The meaning of compassion

Why is compassion given to each of us by nature? What good does this feeling bring to us? The answer is obvious - no practical benefit in the form of accumulation of property, and at the same time a colossal “income” in the form of gratitude.

Agree that the best that each of us experiences cannot be measured in monetary terms. How much is friendship or love worth? Compassion also costs nothing (moreover, it is even fraught with “losses” from an economic point of view). However, having succumbed to this emotion and made a donation or talked to someone who is feeling bad, we feel some kind of bright excitement somewhere “in our soul.” This is that wonderful feeling that gives meaning to the lives of each of us.

• Compassion provides opportunities for the manifestation of the best human qualities.
• Compassion gives love - to people.
• Compassion gives understanding - biblical commandments.
• Compassion gives liberation - from anger and indifference.
• Compassion points the way to the common good through the good of each person.
• Compassion gives joy - from the awareness of one’s own capabilities in helping others.

Showing compassion in everyday life

• Bible. It talks a lot about compassion; Compassion is especially emphasized in the Gospel of Luke.
• Volunteering and charity. People who, at the call of their hearts, help the weak, infirm, old people, orphans - show compassion for them.
• Interpersonal relationships. A person who is characterized by the ability to sympathize with the troubles of loved ones and the willingness to help any of the people around him in trouble shows compassion.
• Hostilities. The ability to see enemy soldiers not only as enemies, but also as people is a manifestation of compassion.

How to develop compassion in yourself

• Religion. Every religion teaches empathy and compassion; imbued with faith, a person cultivates compassion in himself.
• Reading spiritual literature. The more spiritually rich a person is, the easier it is for him to show compassion for others.
• Charity. By participating in charity events, a person develops the ability to sympathize with adversity.
• Interest and attentiveness to people. Being attentive and showing sincere interest in the people around him, a person develops the ability to sympathize with them.
• Self improvement. To cultivate compassion in oneself means to consciously abandon indifference and all manifestations of selfishness.

Golden mean

Callousness | complete lack of compassion

Compassion

Sorrow | excessive compassion leading to despondency

Catchphrases about compassion

As often happens, our neighbor needs our support and sympathy. The ability to empathize with another person and feel sorry for him is usually called compassion.

Compassion is a feeling that many of us have when we see someone else in pain or bad. Feeling compassion, we try to console someone who is in trouble, to somehow help him, if it is in our power.

I think compassion is directly related to empathy. An empathic person can feel the emotions of other people well, and therefore he always notices the state of his interlocutor. Everyone's capacity for empathy is expressed differently, so some may immediately respond to someone else's grief, while others may seem cold and insensitive.

It seems to me that I belong to the first category of people, since I always understand when someone else is feeling bad. I can feel pity and compassion not only from acquaintances or friends, but also from animals in trouble. Therefore, I often feed hungry dogs on the street, remove kittens from trees, and every year in winter I hang a bird feeder on the balcony.

If I notice that a stranger is feeling bad, then I also try to somehow cheer him up, sometimes I can even come up and say that everything will be fine. Having learned about other people's troubles from the news on TV, I can sometimes get very upset and start to worry, because I sincerely sympathize with these people.

I think we all need empathy. In a difficult moment, you always really want to bury yourself in someone’s strong shoulder, relax and give free rein to your tears. I would like to be pitied, reassured and encouraged. This desire is absolutely natural, and there is nothing reprehensible in it, because we are all human, and we all need warmth and care.