慈悲
じひ / Jihi
Jihi (慈悲) Meaning
Meaning
Jihi is the Japanese word for compassion, made of two characters. "Ji" is the wish to give others ease and joy, and "hi" is the wish to relieve their suffering. Together they describe a heart that feels another's pain as if it were its own and quietly reaches out.
Origin
It is a core Buddhist term: "ji" is generally understood to correspond to the Sanskrit maitrī (loving-kindness) and "hi" to karuṇā (compassion). The Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom (Dazhidu lun) explains that loving-kindness gives happiness and compassion removes suffering, an idea often summarized in Japanese as "bakku yoraku." In Zen, the bodhisattva Kannon (Guanyin) is seen as the embodiment of great compassion, and Case 89 of the Blue Cliff Record features a dialogue between the monks Yunyan and Daowu about Kannon's thousand hands and eyes.
How it helps with everyday worries
When a coworker grates on you or a family member speaks harshly, it is natural to tighten up. Compassion here does not mean forcing yourself to like them. It can simply mean stepping back and noticing, "This person may be struggling with something too." Even if you cannot forgive them, that small bit of space can soften how you respond. Compassion is also not only for others. If you keep criticizing yourself for a mistake or for being exhausted, your capacity for kindness slowly runs dry. Try offering yourself the words you would offer a struggling friend. That, too, is compassion.
A small practice for today
Close your eyes, take one slow breath, and silently say, "May I be at ease." Then picture someone in your life and send the same wish to them.