Self-Surrendering Love: Initial Musings on Karuna and Caritas

Abstract

The paper explores and exposes the connections between the Buddhist virtue Karuna and the Christian virtue Caritas. Employing a text-based analysis approach, the paper argues that both Karuna and Caritas have intersections, though their origins and inherent development in each religious tradition differ. After the exploration and exposition, it is found out that both virtues may be considered expressions of self-surrendering love whereby a faithful person sets aside oneself for the greater or common good, much more the good of the other. This is exemplified by the Bodhisattvas and the Saints, two interesting religious figures in Buddhism and Christianity, respectively.