Compassion Of Buddha

            In the Legend of the Buddha Shakyamuni, the word "compassion" appears several times throughout the text. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word "compassion" is defined in two different ways. The first way comes from the Latin root "compati," which means to sympathize. This definition means to be understanding and caring towards someone. The other definition originates from the late 14th Century, which means "sympathetic consciousness of others" distress together with a desire to alleviate it." This definition still uses the word sympathetic; however, there is an added component to help lessen the problems of others. .
             I feel that the second definition of compassion (or karuna) pertains to the legend. Compassion in Sanskrit is defined as "pity, active sympathy and gentle affection felt for all sentient beings." Once Buddha learns the four holy truths and the eightfold path, he claimed he reached his goal of Nirvana, he is described as "the great seer, full of compassion, had thus proclaimed the Dharma, he of the Kaundinya clan, and hundred of gods with him, obtained the insight which is pure and free from dust." Throughout the legend, the goal of Buddha was to reach a level of release from the Samsaric cycle of rebirth. The second definition of compassion illustrates Buddha's desire to elevate himself beyond the realm of the living and onto a more infinite, spiritual level. After Bodhisattva reached Nirvana, he wanted to not only help others reach the same state, but also have people there to share their experiences with. .
             When the Buddha goes home to see his father, his father says, "instead, having conquered the great ills of the Samsaric world, you have become a Sage who proclaims the Dharma for the weal of all." Buddha's father says that his son has become a teacher, or a "Sage," who uses his experiences and his knowledge to help others break out of the Samsaric cycle of life.