Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2012, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (4): 49-58.

• 伦理学研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

On Compassion and Common Sense, as well as Compassion in Christianity and Buddhism

HU wei-xi   

  • Online:2012-07-15 Published:2012-09-12
  • Contact: HU wei-xi
  • About author:HU wei-xi

Abstract: Religion is accepted because of its compassion. Every individual has a religious metaphysical impulse never releasing from heart, which desires a union with the ultimate reality of the universe. In this process, the sense of compassion appears in a deeply feeling of conflict between one's limitation and infinite, and a resultant understanding of the universal suffering and the tragic fate of survival. Therefore, compassion is indeed the pity for the tragic destiny of human beings. Compassion roots in our metaphysical nature and hence constitutes a kind of "common sense" of human beings, through which an individual realizes his or her belonging to a group. Combining with religious belief, compassion takes a form of "redemptive love" in practice, which means forgiveness and sacrifice.