Living in the world, but not part of the world is the best way to serve others. A Bodhisattva strives to help all others. In order to help, we must know their thoughts, feelings, intentions, goals, and struggles, yet not be knocked off balance in the face of challenges or adversity. In this way Buddhist compassion is infused with wisdom, the wisdom that recognizes appearances are not real. This is a similar conclusion that quantum physicists come to regarding all physical things in the universe – they appear one way, but exist in another. Everything appears solid, independent, and permanent. Yet when we look deeper, we cannot find these solid, independent, and permanent things! Thus, everything is like an illusion, appearing one way yet existing in another. This understanding frees us from taking things personally and getting too attached. Ironically it opens our heart to more compassion and love. In this way we live in the world, but are not part of it in terms of buying into the illusion.
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How to cultivate compassion
People are often confused about how to cultivate compassion. There are several approaches. One method is moving beyond empathy to compassion. Empathy is feeling like the other person is feeling. We often “take on” or […]
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Like an illusion
“Row, row, row your boat, gently down the steam. Merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.” Many of us sang this tune as kids, oblivious to any deeper meaning. ‘Row’ could mean to move […]
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Offer happiness and peace to all my mother
This awesome text on compassion written nearly 1300 years ago, called ‘8 Verses of Mind Training’ by the humble Samurai Spiritual Warrior Langri Thangpa.’ Verse 7 reads: “In short, may I directly and indirectly Offer […]