compassion ［悲・慈悲］ (, Pali karunā;  hi or jihi): In Buddhism, altruistic action that seeks to relieve living beings from their sufferings and give ease and delight to them. An outstanding characteristic of bodhisattvas is a mind of pity and compassion that seeks to save others even at the risk of their own lives. A Buddha is revered as one who shares in the torments of all living beings and strives to release all beings from suffering and bring them happiness. The Nirvana Sutra says, “The varied sufferings of all living beings—all these the Thus Come One himself undergoes as his own sufferings.”