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Buddhists/Compassion, Loving-Kindness

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Expert: - 11/7/2011


Question
Conventually speaking, How are compassion and Loving Kindness practiced in Buddhism?

Answer
Hi "caffeine.monkeys@gmail.com",

The Buddhist (Pali) term for "compassion" is Karuna; while "loving kindness" is Metta.

In the most simplistic way, compassion can be in the form of thoughts and actions.  The dictionary meaning of compassion is :

"a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering."

The above is in terms of thoughts.  These thoughts can then be put into actions, like actually helping those who are in need of help.

"Loving kindness" is concentrated in thoughts, wishing for all to be happy and free from suffering.  

Karuna is towards removing harm and suffering, while Metta is towards wishing others for their happiness and well-being.

Hope this helps.

Justin Choo  

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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