Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c19.133

c19.133

Compassion.—Generally there is not much difference between the particular virtues admired in early Buddhism from those admired in its contemporary non-Buddhist literature.⁹⁷ In this respect the most distinctive feature of Buddhism is the emphasis it places on compassion.⁹⁸ A Brāhmaṇa is reported to have told Buddha that the following virtues were sufficient for the attainment of the good, viz., truth (sacca), austerities (tapa), celibacy (Brahmacariya), study (ajjhena) and liberality (cāga).⁹⁹ The last was asserted to be the most important. Buddha, inter alia, pointed out that liberality was impossible without compassion (anukampā) which would thus be the sixth cardinal virtue.¹⁰⁰ Out of compassion (Kāruññatā) Buddha agreed to preach his gospel.¹⁰¹ He is called “compassionate towards all beings"¹⁰² and with the lapse of centuries his followers emphasized this aspect of his teaching more and more.