A Philosophy of Compassion

By: Kimberly Osborne
Posted In: News

Many of us on Salve’s campus are familiar with Christianity, but few of us know anything about South Asian religions, such as Buddhism. With the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama approaching, people may be wondering what background they should know in order to fully appreciate what the Dalai Lama has to say.

According to Laurie Donley, assistant to the dean of undergraduate studies with an academic background in South Asian religions, the Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokatesvara. Donley said that a Bodhisattva is someone who is enlightened and is capable of leaving the cycle of rebirth, but chooses to stay in the world in order to help others.

One of Buddhism’s goals, according to Donley, is to understand the true nature of reality and end the cycle of rebirth, the cycle of suffering. Translated, Bodhisattva Avalokatesvara means the Bodhisattva of compassion, according to Donley.

“It is so fitting that the Dalai Lama would come to a school whose mission is compassion and mercy,” said Donley.

According to Donley, in his writings about compassion, the Dalai Lama describes two kinds of suffering. The first is unavoidable suffering which consists of death and disease. The second is avoidable suffering which is defined by how we react to situations in our lives. Donley said that this means that the ways in which we deal with our experiences can either be helpful or cause us even more harm. Donley said that the Dalai Lama believes that suffering gives us the capability to feel compassion for others and create action.

Donley believes that the Dalai Lama is much more than a national leader. She said that his whole reason for being is to assist the world and help spread compassion to those who need it.

“If I had to pick one person who I would want to meet in my lifetime, the Dalai Lama would be at the top of my list,” said Donley. “I never thought that it might be possible.”