Understanding Karuna in Buddhist Philosophy

Karuna, a key virtue in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes recognizing and alleviating the suffering of others. Bodhisattvas exemplify this virtue through selflessness, while figures like Amitabha Buddha embody compassion through acts like welcoming believers to Sukhavati. The concept of karuna is closely linked to living a compassionate life and overcoming suffering in Buddhist practices.

• Karuna
• Buddhist philosophy
• Compassion
• Bodhisattva
• Wisdom

cassia Follow

Uploaded on Aug 11, 2024 | 0 Views

Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

Presentation Transcript

1. Question: What is karuna?

2. Answer: Karuna is characterised by the following four bullet points: Recognising that a person cannot be truly happy while others suffer. Feeling concern for the suffering of others, almost as if it were your own. Recognising when you are suffering and acting with compassion towards yourself. Wanting others to be free from suffering and trying to relieve it.

3. Question: What is ROKPA?

4. Answer: ROKPA is a Tibetan word meaning help or friend. It is also a charity set up in 1980 which is motivated by acting compassionately towards others. ROKPA is involved in projects in Zimbabwe, Nepal and Tibet. The charity helps run schools and provide education to thousands of children each year. It aims to help families out of poverty through better education, and also to teach children about the value of compassion. ROKPA believes that helping others is the way to bring about real and lasting change.

5. Question: Mahayana Buddhism How do Bodisattvas exemplify this virtue?

6. Answer Karuna is a virtue or state of mind that leads to a sense of selflessness. The Bodhisattva exemplifies this virtue, as a Bodhisattva has vowed to help others.

7. Question How does Amitabha Buddha act compassionately?

8. Answer: Amitabha Buddha welcomes Buddhists into Sukhavati (his heaven) as an act of compassion.

9. Question How does the concept of karuna link to the Buddha?

10. Answer: The Buddha is the role model of compassion and wisdom. Without wisdom can lead to harmful actions.

11. Question How does karuna link to how Buddhists live their lives and how they try to overcome suffering?

12. Answer The whole point of the Fourth Noble Truth (The Eightfold Path) is to develop wisdom and compassion to overcome suffering.

13. Question How does the Dalai Lama view karuna?

14. Answer: I believe that at every level of society, the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. -The Dalai Lama