초기불교 문헌에서 자비의 문제 -그 실천 이유와 근거-

Abstract

Compassion is, at its best, an important practice in Buddhism. This paper is a study of the reason of compassion practice in Buddhism. If the reason can be determined clearly, Buddhists can have more obvious Sollen for the practice. We can find the three reasons of compassion practice in the documents of the early Buddhism. The first reason is because it is a way to Nirvāna. In Early Buddhism, compassion practice is set-up as not a altruistic practice but a practice for practitioners themselves. They do not start to practice compassion after wisdom attainment but can advance to wisdom just after the practice of compassion. Another reason of compassion practice is because they can figure out that they have no choice but to practice compassion if they look at themselves reflected in others or others in themselves. Human beings understands others in mirrors of themselves and comprehends themselves in mirrors of others. If only we understand others in the light of us, everybody can't help practicing compassion. Lastly, it becomes clear that compassion practice is an important tool for overcoming anger and greed. We are then reminded that in order to gain Nirvāna, greed, anger and ignorance must also be eradicated. These three fires are vanquished by compassion and compassionate actions such as giving donations and hence compassion practice is enjoined in the enlightenment project. As for Mahayana views on compassion practice, the idea that it is the exclusive provenance of Mahayana Buddhism is a mistaken assertion. The suggestion that compassion practice must be practiced only after the enlightenment is likewise mistaken. Conversely, compassion practice in Early Buddhism is a practice for all levels of individuals, good for themselves as well as beneficial for others.