What is Compassion?

According to Buddhism, compassion is made up of two parts. One it is a unique human quality through which people feel the pain and distress of another person as if it was our own. Two it occurs when we strive to eliminate or relieve the suffering experienced by others.

Compassion literally means “to suffer together”

Although the concepts of empathy and altruism are related to compassion, they are not the same. Rather this admirable human quality is an incorporation of both concepts. Empathy is the ability for a person takes a perspective of feeling what another person feels. Compassion takes empathy one step further by emanating the desire to help ant take action. Altruism in respect to this is selfless behavior that is prompted by feelings of compassion.

In relation to mindfulness, compassion is one of many benefits harnessed by the practice of meditation that follows Buddhism philosophy.

Through compassion, we can make ourselves feel good. By completing compassionate activities (like giving charity, carrying out community service, etc.) we strengthen the brain circuits for pleasure and reward, which lead us to happiness.

To learn more about compassion and its benefits check out The Greater Good website followed by the links: