Some said Buddhism lacks compassion, how so?

Answer 1

Maybe for some people, the Buddhist community lacks 'compassion' in terms of lacking in the way Christians care for those who are in 'need'. Maybe it is not lacking in compassion but lacking in the evengelical values of Christianity has to offer.

I've often heard of this from most Christian missionaries and I understand their claim but this has no basis in the Buddhist teachings or Buddhism it is the Buddhists themselves, the followers of Buddhism that lacks compassion, not Buddhism.

Many people forget events such as the Boddhisatta's strife for perfection by practicing compassion. There are also countless instances such as the Buddha 'saving' the starving and hungry in the Pali text (I particularly mention this since even within Buddhist sects, there are claims that Buddhists lack compassion). One example is Sopaka, the orphan.

Do check out this link on what the writer says about the Buddha's concern about children. This is a very touching example of how the Buddha shows compassion towards children:
http://www.buddhistnews.tv/current/children-101003.php

Buddhism lacks compassion? I don't think so, it is the nature of being human that lacks compassion. It is a cultivation, something that has to be done from the heart, regardless of what religion we are.

Islam is also supposed to be a religion of compassion and mercy. However, various groups of people today hardly practice this. Can you blame Islam for being lack of compassion? I don't think so!

Answer 2

This is clearly written by someone who hasn't an idea of what they speak. Compassion is the root of the mind that aspires to enlightenment and the mind that aspires to enlightenment is the root of the activities of the bodhisattva. The bodhisattvas give rise to the buddhas, so there would be no buddhas were it not for compassion, and only through compassion was the Wheel of Dharma ever turned for sentient beings. Compassion and love are keystones to Buddhism.

Answer 3

It is a very difficult religion to tie down. I agree it has supernatural components in its purist form, but in its purist form it is totally unsustainable. Quite simply Buddhist priests seek enlightenment. They own nothing and kill nothing. They live from their begging bowl. This is the first problem - extend that to the entire population and who provides the food for the devout Buddhists to eat? Second Buddhism as it is practised by the masses is invariably tied in with local beliefs. If you look at a directory for Thailand it is described as 90%+ Buddhist but when you walk the streets of Thailand everywhere you see the Spirit Houses to appease the local spirits. Temples have places to appease the animist deities if required and no Thai would start work without offering to Buddha - except that it is actually a spirit they are praying to. It is highly complex and fascinating. So to answer your question - yes I believe it could be described as an organised religion but its adherents act in practise as being free to worship a deity if they wish. The Buddhist part of the deal defines who they are, the spirit part of the deal defines how they cope with a hostile world. As an interesting footnote I was walking through Bangkok with a Thai friend from the office one day and she gave a coin to a leper by the roadside. He was a sad sight but she seemed unmoved I asked her why she did not appear to show any compassion but still gave him money. She just shrugged and said that she felt no sadness for him as she would pass through such an incarnation so she was no worse, or better than the leper. A very Buddhist outlook and very different from a western view.

Answer 4

Buddhism is the most compassion religion. It belief on the love for all living things, including animals. That's the reason why pure Buddhists are vegetarian and it is the most peaceful religion. Someone whose said that must be biased.

Answer 5

To some folk Buddhist teaching or Dharma can be seen as selfish as they see only part of the practice as self seeking and it is interpreted as selfish. This of course is the wrong view as the whole practise is generally ignored and only part of it focussed upon. Interpretation without knowledge or understanding can cause fear and is often used to denigrate that which is observed especialy if it conflicts with known practise or observance. It is a small matter.

It is often the case that folks ignorant of the truth of some practise or other are prepared to do this as they are afraid of the knowledge and truth of that which they see and finally understand. Comments such as these are common and are irrelevent.

There is no need to be hurt by these comments or to retaliate in kind as negative Action only engenders more of the same and only negative Consequence will ensue.

Accept differences of opinion, is not opinion just a fleeting experience as are all others..? Opinions change as does everything else in Life...it is only to be recognised for its true nature and accepted as different from our own which also is of a temporary nature. Show compassion for those not yet mature enough to see all yet still find differences frightening.

Be at peace my friend, there will always be those ready to voice their fear through this method of detrimental derision.

As to the question you've raised as to how their comments can be justified...it is a moot point as it cannot be justified, Buddhism is based on compassion for all Life Forms including those that treat the Dharma and the practise of its wonderful Teachings in derision.

Show compassion for those that hide behind fear, show others through your Actions that their fear is unjustified, accept that there will always be differences of opinion and be happy for those who voice their fear in that they at least recognise and see the Path albeit in fear of it. Continue along the Path my friend for you can then be one they can follow, perhaps even recognising the Path in the practise of their own Faith, there are many similarities.

Peace my friend from a Buddhist...

Answer 6

Buddhism is all about compassion, where on earth did u hear that ? it is the basic foundation for all buddhist teaching.

Answer 7

You received so many beautiful, & well informed answers (Gaz was most comprehensive of all) that I can only add: I have Atheist friends, & friends of many religions, yet the most compassionate, gentle, intelligent & non-biased are Buddhists.

chicachi, I hope you're feeling better tomorrow. I sincerely mean that.

Answer 8

if im not mistaken, compassion is one of buddhism's central teachings

Answer 9

It doesn't. It's BASED on compassion. Whoever says otherwise is spouting BS.

Answer 10

I saw that in someone's response, and it threw me. I find Buddhists to be among the most compassionate people I have ever met.