The Buddha, when he found a way out of suffering, offered the Dharma out of the compassion of his heart. After his enlightenment experience, the Buddha wanted to share what he had found with his two former meditation teachers, but they had already passed away. So he found the five companions he had been practicing asceticism with, and taught the Dharma to them. Neither his teachers nor his ascetic friends had the same practices that he now did, but he was grateful they were on the path with him. He taught his friends out of gratitude, and through his gratitude flowed compassion.