Abstract
I look beyond our immediate cultural tradition to explore how Buddhist thought approaches vulnerability and suffering. This approach is encapsulated in the concept of karuna, commonly translated as “compassion.” In Mahayana Buddhism, the most widespread tradition in the West, karuna is a central practice and idea. Karuna is a response—the wisest response, according to Buddhism—to suffering. To understand it, we must first grasp the Buddhist perspective on suffering, harm, and violence. Scholars like Jay Garfield interpret the Buddha Shakyamuni’s First Teaching, the Four Noble Truths, in terms of structural violence. Similarly, David Loy draws bold parallels between the Buddhist concept of the Three Poisons and systemic violence in institutions like markets and militaries. Central to this framework is ahimsa, often translated as “non-violence” but more literally meaning “non-harm.” Compassion arises from a commitment not to add harm to an already suffering world. Stephen Jenkins links compassion to the ethics of non-violence, while Mahayana practices such as the brahmaviharas (Four Immeasurable Thoughts) and the Six Perfections embody the active response to alleviate suffering. The Bodhisattva, exemplified by Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, represents this ideal, embracing suffering and recognizing interdependence (pratityasamutpada). Compassion is seen as the most realistic response to suffering, as no being exists or suffers in isolation. This view challenges arbitrary divisions like wealth, gender, or nationality. Compassion, as both practice and fruit of understanding interconnection, becomes a transformative path toward kindness and resilience in a fragile world.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Buddhism, Compassion, Interdependence, Nonviolence, Vulnerability
