Abstract

Wisdom and compassion are the two cardinal virtues of Buddhism. This article answers the following questions: What is wisdom? What is compassion? How can they be developed? What is the relevance of the Buddhist teachings in the modern world? How can they be applied to alleviate the stresses and anxieties of everyday life? Can they help solve the global crises we face today? The authors contends that wisdom and compassion are necessary virtues for our happiness as well as for our survival. Unfortunately, believing this is not enough. Knowing it to be true is not enough. Understanding it is not enough. We must practice it. We must become wisdom and compassion in our everyday life. And no one can do it for us. We must do it ourselves, and we must start now. 2012 APA, all rights reserved)