Karuna - Please kindly read the message and not the messenger

Thangjam Yumjao Meitei *

Karuna generally translates as "Compassion" in English and is a concept used in the spiritual paths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The word comes from the Sanskrit kara, defining "to do" or "to make," implying an action-based form of compassion rather than the pity or sadness associated with the English word.

According to Buddhism, Karuna is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. It's not passive nor empathy alone but rather an empathetic altruism that enthusiastically endeavors to free others from suffering. Genuine compassion must have both wisdom and loving-kindness (Metta).

That is to say, one must understand the nature of the suffering from which we wish to free others which can be rather define it as wisdom and one must experience deep intimacy and empathy with other sentient beings. It is the doing of something to alleviate suffering. It is a key element of the yogic path, opening the door to the enlightenment and oneness with the universe.

It is a mind that is motivated by cherishing other living beings and wishes to release them from their suffering. Sometimes out of selfish intention we can wish for another person to be free from their suffering; this is quite common in relationships that are based principally on attachment.

If our friend is ill or depressed, for example, we may wish him to recover quickly so that we can enjoy his company again; but this wish is basically self-centered and is not true compassion. True compassion is necessarily based on cherishing others.

When a dog sees her puppies in pain she develops the wish to protect them and free them from pain and this compassionate wish is her Buddha seed. Unfortunately, however, animals have no ability to train in compassion, and so their Buddha seed cannot ripen.

Human beings, though, have a great opportunity to develop their Buddha nature. Through meditation we can extend and deepen our compassion until it transforms into the mind of great compassion – the wish to protect all living beings without exception from their suffering.

Through improving this mind of great or universal, compassion it will eventually transform into the compassion of a Buddha, which actually has the power to protect all living beings. Therefore the way to become a Buddha is to awaken our compassionate Buddha nature and complete the training in universal compassion. Only human beings can do this.

In general everyone already has some compassion. We all feel compassion when we see our family or friends in distress, and even animals feel compassion when they see their offspring in pain. Our compassion is our Buddha seed or Buddha nature, our potential to become a Buddha. It is because all living beings possess this seed that they will all eventually become Buddhas.

There are different types of Karuna. In this world, people's compassion is based on love and is emotional. To those they like, they show compassion. To those they dislike, they do not show compassion. This kind of compassion is called love-affinity compassion. It is based on worldly love.

The Karuna of bodhisattvas is called dharma-affinity compassion. The bodhisattvas know that all dharmas are equal. The compassion that one has for sentient beings should be the same that one has for oneself. This compassion is based on a profound and true principle. The compassion of Buddhas is called great compassion. It arises entirely from a pure mind, an impartial mind, and a mind that knows everything is one entity. This is true compassion and loving-kindness.

In Buddhism specifically for sentient beings with reference to liberating them from the suffering of samsara, the cycle of birth and death. Particularly in wisdom and compassion are the two primary virtues and as such, so much can be characterized as having to do with compassion that any bibliography on the topic is by necessity somewhat arbitrary and highly limited in its selections.

Regardless, it can be argued that certain figures carry a special emphasis on compassion. Bodhisattvas, who vow to bring all sentient beings to awakening, and among them especially Avalokiteœvara (Tibet. Chenrezig; Ch. Guanyin; Japan. Kannon), and cosmic buddhas, especially Amitâbha and Amitâyus (China. Amitofo; Japan. Amida).

Buddhists compassion is their Buddha seed or Buddha nature, our potential to become a Buddha. It is because all living beings possess this seed that they will all eventually become Buddhas.

Karuna is the very essence of a spiritual life and the main practice of those who have devoted their lives to attaining enlightenment. It is the root of the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It is the root of Buddha because all Buddhas are born from compassion.

It is the root of Dharma because Buddhas give Dharma teachings motivated solely by compassion for others. It is the root of Sangha, because it is by listening to and practicing Dharma teachings given out of compassion that we become Sangha, or Superior beings.

People with this name have a deep inner desire for travel and adventure and want to set their own pace in life without being governed by tradition. They tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts and often enjoy life immensely. They are often the center of attention and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight. Thus they tend to become involved in many different activities and are sometimes reckless with both their energies and with money.