The Heart of Compassion (Ricard 2006)
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** {{i|PART ONE – THE PREPARATION|51}} | ** {{i|PART ONE – THE PREPARATION|51}} | ||
*** {{i|First, the need to give meaning to this human existence of yours, so rare<br>and difficult to obtain|51}} | *** {{i|First, the need to give meaning to this human existence of yours, so rare<br>and difficult to obtain|51}} | ||
| − | *** {{i|Second, an exhortation to abandon your native land, the source of the three poisons|58}} | + | *** {{i|Second, an exhortation to abandon your native land, the source of the<br>three poisons|58}} |
*** {{i|Third, a recommendation to live in solitary places, the source of all<br>good qualities|60}} | *** {{i|Third, a recommendation to live in solitary places, the source of all<br>good qualities|60}} | ||
*** {{i|Fourth, to reflect on impermanence, in order to give up the concerns of this life|63}} | *** {{i|Fourth, to reflect on impermanence, in order to give up the concerns of this life|63}} | ||
Revision as of 11:37, 23 July 2020
What would be the practical implications of caring more about others than about yourself? This is the radical theme of this extraordinary set of instructions, a training manual composed in the fourteenth century by the Buddhist hermit Ngulchu Thogme, here explained in detail by one of the great Tibetan Buddhist masters of the twentieth century, Dilgo Khyentse. In the Mahayana tradition, those who have the courage to undertake the profound change of attitude required to develop true compassion are called bodhisattvas. Their great resolve—to consider others’ needs as paramount, and thus to attain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures—carries them beyond the limits imposed by the illusions of “I” and “mine,” culminating in the direct realization of reality, transcending dualistic notions of self and other. This classic text presents ways that we can work with our own hearts and minds, starting wherever we find ourselves now, to unravel our small-minded preoccupations and discover our own potential for compassion, love, and wisdom. Many generations of Buddhist practitioners have been inspired by these teachings, and the great masters of all traditions have written numerous commentaries. Dilgo Khyentse’s commentary is probably his most extensive recorded teaching on Mahayana practice. (Source: Shambhala Publications)
| Citation | Khyentse, Dilgo. The Heart of Compassion: Instructions on Ngulchu Thogme's Thirty-Sevenfold Practice of a Bodhisattva. Translated by Matthieu Ricard and edited by John Canti (Padmakara Translation Group). New Delhi: Shechen Publications, 2006. |
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- Khyentse, Dilgo. Oral teachings.
- Thogs med bzang po. rgyal sras lag len so bdun ma. Tibetan text is included on pages 101-112. See in rgyal sras thogs med kyi bka' 'bum thor bu, 106-111. Thimphu: kun bzang stobs rgyal, 1975.
