--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: True compassion is not just an emotional…" description: "\"True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.\" — Dalai Lama" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg" --- # True compassion is not just an emotional response but a… ![“True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg) > “True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.” [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Compassion requires rational commitment, not just feeling; it must be guided by reason. **In simple terms:** Compassion is a reasoned, firm commitment, not just emotion. Key Takeaway Cultivate compassionate actions grounded in logic. Themes ethics empathy reasoned action Mood calm inspired Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - volunteering - policy making - conflict resolution Key Concepts moral philosophy psychology of altruism Questions to Reflect On - How can reason strengthen your empathy? - When does compassion become counterproductive? A Different Perspective Pure emotion alone may lead to inconsistent or biased actions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bodhicitta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bodhicitta-22005/) [Commitment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commitment/) [Commitment Founded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commitment-founded-5323951/) [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Compassion Just](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion-just-293457/) [Emotional](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotional/) [Emotional response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotional-response/) [Firm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firm/) [Firm Commitment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firm-commitment-5091506/) [Kindness and compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kindness-and-compassion/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/response/) [True Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-compassion-694760/) ## Related quotes > [True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional-response-but-a-firm-2/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“Life is a series of urgent choices demanding firm commitment to this or to that.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-wilson-watts/life-is-a-series-of-urgent-choices-demanding-firm-commitment-to-this/) [Alan Wilson Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-wilson-watts/) > [There is a true feminist movement in Buddhism that relates to the goddess Tārā. Following her cultivation of bodhicitta, the bodhisattva's motivation, she looked…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-a-true-feminist-movement-in-buddhism-that-relates-to-the/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I don't think human affection and compassion are just religious concerns; they're indispensable factors in our day-to-day lives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-don-t-think-human-affection-and-compassion-are-just-religious/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/every-single-being-even-those-who-are-hostile-to-us-is-just-as-afraid/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [True compassion is universal in scope. It is accompanied by a feeling of responsibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-universal-in-scope-it-is-accompanied-by-a-feeling/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When? At this time, while you have all the opportunities, if you do not do your best to achieve the pure, stainless path to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thubten-zopa-rinpoche/when-at-this-time-while-you-have-all-the-opportunities-if-you-do-not/) [Thubten Zopa Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thubten-zopa-rinpoche/) > [If you receive empowerment, it's about bodhicitta. If you receive teachings, it's about bodhicitta. If you practice teachings, it's about bodhicitta. Everything comes down…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garchen-rinpoche/if-you-receive-empowerment-it-s-about-bodhicitta-if-you-receive/) [Garchen Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garchen-rinpoche/) > [If we develop a good heart we will progress to true compassion, and awaken Bodhicitta. This is the way of the Buddha's method.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jetsunma-ahkon-lhamo/if-we-develop-a-good-heart-we-will-progress-to-true-compassion-and/) [Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jetsunma-ahkon-lhamo/) > [Begin with bodhicitta, do the main practice without concepts,Conclude by dedicating the merit. These, together and complete,Are the three vital supports for progressing on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/longchenpa/begin-with-bodhicitta-do-the-main-practice-without-concepts-conclude/) [Longchenpa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/longchenpa/) > [“First, we must see that our negative actions arise due to prejudice and erroneous judgments. The discrimination that labels some as 'friends' and others…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zongtrul-losang-ts-ndru/first-we-must-see-that-our-negative-actions-arise-due-to-prejudice/) [Zongtrul Losang Tsöndru](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zongtrul-losang-ts-ndru/) > [What need is there to say more? The childish work for their own benefit, The Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/what-need-is-there-to-say-more-the-childish-work-for-their-own/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [I've been accused of lacking compassion. But that just shows I'm not without compassion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/i-ve-been-accused-of-lacking-compassion-but-that-just-shows-i-m-not/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Some people find the experience and practice of compassion as a spiritual discipline to be a more direct route to the transformation of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-borg/some-people-find-the-experience-and-practice-of-compassion-as-a/) [Marcus Borg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-borg/) > [Is it any wonder things are so inane? So many quests for compassion are just for someone's personal gain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bad-religion/is-it-any-wonder-things-are-so-inane-so-many-quests-for-compassion/) [Bad Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bad-religion/) ## More by Dalai Lama > [Although under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/although-under-particular-circumstances-the-violence-method-any/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [In the interests of everyone the artist had a responsibility to use his medium well. In the Tibetan culture, most of the paintings are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-the-interests-of-everyone-the-artist-had-a-responsibility-to-use/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [If the mind is dominated by hatred, the best part of the brain, which is used to judge right and wrong, does not function…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/if-the-mind-is-dominated-by-hatred-the-best-part-of-the-brain-which/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/more-compassionate-mind-more-sense-of-concern-for-other-s-well-being/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Everybody loves to talk about calmness and peace, whether in a family, national, or international context, but without inner peace how can we make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/everybody-loves-to-talk-about-calmness-and-peace-whether-in-a-family/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The only "definitive truth" for Buddhism is the absolute negation of any one truth as the Definitive Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-only-definitive-truth-for-buddhism-is-the-absolute-negation-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We can change society, change humanity by changing ourselves as individuals. By cultivating inner values, we can change our own lives and those of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-can-change-society-change-humanity-by-changing-ourselves-as/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I don't want to convert people to Buddhism — all major religions, when understood properly, have the same potential for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-don-t-want-to-convert-people-to-buddhism-all-major-religions-when/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There is no way to escape death, it is just like trying to escape by four great mountains touching sky. There is no escape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-no-way-to-escape-death-it-is-just-like-trying-to-escape-by/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We live within the environment. So that directly relates with our survival, our life. So through that way, more concern of well being of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-live-within-the-environment-so-that-directly-relates-with-our/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/my-belief-is-that-the-various-religious-traditions-have-great/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When we think carefully, we see that the brief elation we experience when appeasing sensual impulses may not be very different from what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/when-we-think-carefully-we-see-that-the-brief-elation-we-experience/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/so-let-us-reflect-on-what-is-truly-of-value-in-life-what-gives/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am the source of my own suffering, because of the habits of my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-the-source-of-my-own-suffering-because-of-the-habits-of-my-mind/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) [Explore all 1,406 Dalai Lama quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More Bodhicitta quotes > [What need is there to say more? The childish work for their own benefit, The Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/what-need-is-there-to-say-more-the-childish-work-for-their-own/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [“First, we must see that our negative actions arise due to prejudice and erroneous judgments. The discrimination that labels some as 'friends' and others…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zongtrul-losang-ts-ndru/first-we-must-see-that-our-negative-actions-arise-due-to-prejudice/) [Zongtrul Losang Tsöndru](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zongtrul-losang-ts-ndru/) > [Begin with bodhicitta, do the main practice without concepts,Conclude by dedicating the merit. These, together and complete,Are the three vital supports for progressing on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/longchenpa/begin-with-bodhicitta-do-the-main-practice-without-concepts-conclude/) [Longchenpa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/longchenpa/) > [If we develop a good heart we will progress to true compassion, and awaken Bodhicitta. This is the way of the Buddha's method.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jetsunma-ahkon-lhamo/if-we-develop-a-good-heart-we-will-progress-to-true-compassion-and/) [Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jetsunma-ahkon-lhamo/) > [If you receive empowerment, it's about bodhicitta. If you receive teachings, it's about bodhicitta. If you practice teachings, it's about bodhicitta. Everything comes down…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garchen-rinpoche/if-you-receive-empowerment-it-s-about-bodhicitta-if-you-receive/) [Garchen Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garchen-rinpoche/) > [There is a true feminist movement in Buddhism that relates to the goddess Tārā. Following her cultivation of bodhicitta, the bodhisattva's motivation, she looked…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-a-true-feminist-movement-in-buddhism-that-relates-to-the/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When? At this time, while you have all the opportunities, if you do not do your best to achieve the pure, stainless path to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thubten-zopa-rinpoche/when-at-this-time-while-you-have-all-the-opportunities-if-you-do-not/) [Thubten Zopa Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thubten-zopa-rinpoche/) [Browse all 8 Bodhicitta quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bodhicitta-22005/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dalai Lama" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional-response-but-a-firm/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bodhicitta" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional-response-but-a-firm/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5b/dalai-lama-89_bodhicitta_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_1468784.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.” — Dalai Lama", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dalai Lama", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "True compassion is not just an...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional-response-but-a-firm/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional-response-but-a-firm/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```