In Praise of Great Compassion

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Volume 5 of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion, In Praise of Great Compassion, presents the Dalai Lama's teachings on compassion, regarded as the essence of the Buddha's message. While earlier volumes focused on individual responsibility, this volume emphasizes opening our hearts to others and strengthening our resolve to benefit all sentient beings. It begins with cultivating a positive attitude through the four immeasurables—immeasurable love, compassion, empathic joy, and equanimity—drawing from both the Pāli and Sanskrit traditions, and fostering the altruistic intention of bodhicitta. Using examples from renowned Buddhist texts like Candrakīrti's Madhyamakāvatāra, readers are guided to aspire for full awakening for the benefit of all beings and to commit to the bodhisattva ethical code. The volume concludes with Tibetan Buddhist mind training practices that challenge self-centered views, highlighting the flawed logic of self-grasping that leads to suffering. It encourages a realistic perspective that maintains balance through happiness and suffering, making all circumstances conducive to the path. Volume 6 will further explore compassion by detailing the ten perfections, outlining a comprehensive bodhisattva path to supreme awakening.