Page "Altruism" Paragraph 54

Since " all beings " includes the individual, love and compassion in Buddhism are outside the opposition between self and other.

It is even said that the distinction between self and other is part of the root cause of our suffering.

In practical terms, however, since most of us are spontaneously self-centered, Buddhism encourages us to focus love and compassion on others, and thus can be characterized as " altruistic.

" Many would agree with the Dalai Lama that Buddhism as a religion is kindness toward others.