Knox Academy RMPS Learning Log

First of all it is important to understand that Buddhists believe that no living being must ever go through physical or mental suffering.   We can immediately see that Buddhists have compassion for all living beings in that they have a shared understanding and belief system to prevent suffering in another human or indeed, any living being e.g. right occupation.                        Buddhists ensure that their action are skilful and compassionate by considering three main factors which can be thought of as a tree:  right action, which represents the seed; then you have the roots. Intention is very important when committing an action as your action will either be linked to the three good roots of non-attachment, kindness and compassion or the three bad roots of hatred, greed and ignorance.  finally comes the consequences or the fruit of your actions.  If your action was compassionate then it is likely that the fruit or result of your action will be beneficial to all.  It is therefore important for Buddhists to think an action through in order to show compassion and prevent negative Karma which will them trapped in the wheel of Samsara. Compassion (Karuna), or loving Kindness (Metta) is the idea that an individual shows compassion for the right reasons, even if the other party may not receive it gratefully.  Buddhist theology teaches that it is important to persevere in order to show compassion.  An example of this are the Sangha Metta Monks who helped those with AIDS’ victims and their families.  These monks would take orphaned children into their care after their parents had died of HIV/AIDS related illnesses. At this time people were unaware of how AIDS was contracted so the monks were potentially putting their lives on the line for the greater good (displaying/practicing compassion). These monks are a perfect example of tough love and compassion. The Dalai Lama once said that the reason for compassion is as follows:   “The rationale for universal compassion is based on the same principle of spiritual democracy.  It is the recognition of the fact that every living being has an equal right and desire for happiness.  The true acceptance of (this) requires that we think and act in terms of the common good.  Compassion and universal responsibility requires a commitment to personal sacrifice anon the neglect of egotistical desires.”   What I believe the Dalai Lama is saying in this passage is that compassion must start with the recognition of the fact that all beings are entitled to happiness and we need to put others before ourselves.   Ultimately, Buddhists show compassion to prevent suffering.  If they were to cause suffering then it would have a negative impact on their Karma.  Compassion and the action taken is obviously dependent on the situation in which they find themselves.  I suppose Buddhists also show compassion, as they seem to realise that everyone is living in the world of Samsara and experience dukkha – this, as the Buddha taught, can be overcome. 

I think this is an admirable attitude to take in life as very often I find it hard to continue showing compassion, especially when someone is unwilling to accept it.

By Max