An Indigenous Perspective on Cultivation of Compassion: A Qualitative study on Tibetan Buddhist Scholars in India

Abstract

Our native traditions have rich literature on well-being and cultivation of positive emotions. However very little scientific research has gone into understanding positive emotions or strengths from an indigenous perspective.  The objective of this study was to understand Compassion from the lens of people ingrained compassion as a cultural and traditional practices. Awareness about Compassion is much needed for those in the helping professions such as psycho-therapists, nurses, doctors etc as over time, they are at risk for developing Secondary Trauma or Compassion Fatigue which exhausts the ability to work effectively.  Compassion is very central to Buddhism, it has been taught and practiced for millennia in three main Buddhist traditions: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. In this study five practicing male monks (Geshe-la) and five nuns (Geshe-ma) residing at monasteries and nunneries in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh were individually interviewed on the methods they used to cultivate Compassion, the difficulties/challenges they faced and the benefits of Compassion. Further, they were interviewed on how cultivation of Compassion helped dealing with destructive emotions such as anger. The interviews were transcribed and findings are discussed in conjunction with the personal vignettes shared by the monks and nuns. It is hoped that this study throws light on understanding of Compassion from an indigenous perspective and helps those struggling with Compassion fatigue.