Abstract:
Abstract
“Compassion“(Karuna) is one of the Buddhism’s teachings that it’s importance is different in (Theravada and Mahayana). Compassion is the third state of the fourfold spiritual states which is, according to Theravada, the only state of Arhat; and in Mahayana besides the basic principle of Bodhisattva leads to salvation.
According to Arthur Schopenhauer (1860-1788), the teaching of Vedic ‘Tat Tevam Asi’ corresponds to metaphysical unity to which he always refers. He regards this teaching as the basic principle of Compassion. Considering Maya as the basis of suffering and argues that eradication of Maya through understanding reality that is, understanding the teaching which says “Tat Tevam Asi“ contributes to the realization of the teaching of “None-Self“ and real metaphysics. Freedom from Samsarah happens when the teaching of “None-Self “is put into practice. That is,Karuna and then, Nirvana are realized. This Buddhist course is of paramount importance in the doctrine of Mahayana. In fact, Compassion is the main feature of Mahayana and it is the goal of Bodhisattva. According to Schopenhauer's philosophy, deliverance or salvation is hard to attain, therefor his philosophy is considered close to the doctrines of Theravada.