Newbie Question about being a Buddhist

[RandomSand]

If one aims to cease their suffering, and then succeeds, wouldn't one then lack the quality of empathy ?

Edited February 5, 2014 by RandomSand

[rockyysdt]

There are some who have abandoned thoughts of empathy well before attaining Enlightenment.

There are quotes referring to Empathy as just another attachment to be avoided.

I'm finding there are many contradictions which ever stance one takes.

For example abandoning Empathy goes against the teaching in the Brahmaviharas:

The four immeasurables are:

1. Boundless friendliness (Pāli: metta , Sanskrit: maitri) towards all: the hope that a person will be well; "the wish that all sentient beings, without any exception, be happy."
2. Compassion (Pāli and Sanskrit: karuna): the hope that a person's sufferings will diminish; "the wish for all sentient beings to be free from suffering."
3. Empathetic (Pāli and Sanskrit: mudita): joy in the accomplishments of a person—oneself or another; sympathetic joy; "the wholesome attitude of rejoicing in the happiness and virtues of all sentient beings."
4. Equanimity (Pāli: upekkha, Sanskrit: upeksa): learning to accept loss and gain, good-repute and ill-repute, praise and censure, sorrow and happiness, all with detachment, equally, for oneself and for others. Equanimity is "not to distinguish between friend, enemy or stranger, but regard every sentient being as equal. It is a clear-minded tranquil state of mind—not being overpowered by delusions, mental dullness or agitation."

Many will distance themselves from this as not being Buddhist.

Others will say that these are aids which assist the practitioner.

The very nature of turning outwardly to the plight of others conversley diminishes the I, Me, Ego.

Once Awakening takes place ones interactions toward the plight of others would then driven, not by attachment, but automatically, by the qualities of true self.

Edited February 5, 2014 by rockyysdt