Psychometric assessment of the karuna (compassion) scale

Pages:269-278
Vijay Rangari (Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi)
Karuna Mehta (Department of Psychology, Zakir Hussian, College of Delhi, Delhi University, Delhi)

This study was conducted in two parts, part one textual analysis of Tripitka and development of theory of Karuna (Compassion) to answer the research question Psychological Dimensions of Karuna (Compassion) in Buddhism and its relationship with Peace and Well-being. The Concept of Karuna (Compassion) origin in pali language. The etymology of the word Karuna, stemmed from the Buddhist literatures in tripitka, Karuna (Compassion) defines, Karuṇā is one of the fourth qualities of character significant of a human being who has attained enfranchisement of heart (ceto vimutti), the desire of removing bane and sorrow and bringing that which good and welfare to one’s fellow men as the exalted state of compassion for all beings (all that is encompassed in the sphere of one’s good influence or all, directions,) . The 360 Degree Compass theory of Karuna (Compassion) has been developed after analysis of Buddhist literatures, The finding of this part one research was that Karuna (compassion) has four dimensions Wisdom, Morality, Loving Kindness, and Equanimity were lived in the day today experience of the peoples. The eighty four items was written out with reading several time jataka stories and literature review various Buddhist texts.