From a Buddhist perspective, what is the difference between loving-kindness and compassion?
Loving-kindness and compassion are two of the Four Immeasurables, or Brahmaviharas (the others are sympathetic joy and equanimity). In traditional Buddhist teaching, when one cultivates the Four Immeasurables through practice, intention and action, then one insures a favorable rebirth for oneself. Loving-kindness is the wish for people (self and others) to be happy. Compassion is the hope that people’s suffering will diminish. From this, you can see that the two Brahmaviharas are related like opposite sides of the same coin. In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, compassion is sometimes viewed as a way of living and acting in the world – not simply a psychological state of hope. Similarly, loving-kindness takes form in actions that promote the well-being of others.
