Compassion in Action
There are several Buddhist scriptures, foundational practices, and books by Buddhist teachers that emphasize kindness, generosity, and offering shelter and food to those in need, including monks, strangers, refugees, travelers, guests and the poor. Here are some key references:
1. The Dana Paramita (Perfection of Generosity) – Mahayana & Theravāda Buddhism
Scriptural Sources: Prajñapāramitā Sūtras, Sutta Pitaka (Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya)
Dana (generosity) is one of the Ten Perfections (Pāramitās) in Mahayana Buddhism and the Six Pāramitās in Theravāda Buddhism. The Buddha often emphasized that giving food, shelter, and safety to those in need is the highest form of merit. Dāna is not just about giving material things but also about welcoming others with an open heart.
📖 Example: In the Anguttara Nikaya (AN 3.57), the Buddha says:
"If beings knew, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of selfishness overcome their minds."
2. The Story of King Sibi – Jataka Tales (Sibi Jātaka, Jataka 499)
A famous Buddhist story of radical generosity: King Sibi gives away his own flesh to save a dove from a hawk. It symbolizes offering oneself in service to others, including refugees and the poor. This Jataka emphasizes that compassion must be embodied through action, not just words.
📖 Moral: Protecting and supporting those in need is the highest virtue.
3. The Sūtra on Hospitality and Giving – (Dīgha Nikāya 31, Sigalovada Sutta)
The Buddha explains the six directions of respect (i.e., six kinds of relationships), including responsibilities toward travelers, the poor, and guests. This encourages hospitality as a sacred duty—one should offer food, lodging, and kindness to those who seek refuge.
📖 Quote: “One should share one’s food, speak kindly, and receive others with warmth. Such a person will be loved by all.”
4. The Bodhisattva Ideal – (Lotus Sūtra, Avatamsaka Sūtra, Santideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra)
The Bodhisattva path requires selfless service, welcoming the suffering into one's heart and home. In Bodhicaryāvatāra (The Way of the Bodhisattva, Ch. 3), Śāntideva says: “May I be a protector for those without one, a guide for those who journey, and a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.” This directly supports the idea of offering refuge, shelter, and nourishment to those in need.
5. Thich Nhat Hanh on Refugees & Socially Engaged Buddhism
Teachings from: “Being Peace,” “No Mud, No Lotus”. Thich Nhat Hanh spoke extensively about welcoming refugees and sharing food and shelter. He personally worked to rescue Vietnamese refugees at sea.
Quotes: “To offer food to a hungry person is not charity; it is the way of awakening.” “If we see the suffering of others as our own, offering refuge becomes natural.”
6. The Dalai Lama on Kindness & Welcoming Strangers
The Dalai Lama, who himself was a refugee in India, has repeatedly spoken about the moral duty to help refugees and the poor. He teaches that compassion is meaningless if it is not put into action.
Quote: “We should think of all beings as guests in our home, offering them whatever we can.”
Study questions
Where in your life do you feel compassion? Where do you hold back?
Can you lovingly observe where you feel fearful and stingy: You might think what will happen if I offered my house to strangers or refugees? Will their trauma impact you and your housemates?
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