Transcending Time: The Kālacakra Six-Session Guru Yoga by Gen Lamrimpa

Author:Gen Lamrimpa
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780861717712
Publisher: Wisdom Publications

10

The Purification of Death

It is said that compassion is the one virtue that brings forth all others. The mind that is unable to bear the suffering of others gives rise to the yearning to alleviate their suffering and bring them to a state of well-being. We realize that in our present condition, we do not have the means to completely alleviate the suffering of other sentient beings, or the means to bring them to a lasting state of happiness. We understand that we cannot achieve our aspirations. If we focus on being of material service to others, at best we can alleviate sentient beings’ suffering only temporarily. We cannot bring about circumstances that are lasting or essential. Moreover, it is not even certain that such material efforts will actually bring any happiness. They may, in fact, accomplish the opposite of our intentions.

When one becomes accustomed to the cultivation of compassion, one is able to sacrifice any type of resource or possession in order to alleviate the suffering of others. As compassion increases, one is able to sacrifice even one’s body for the sake of others if the need arises. Therefore, it is evident that compassion is a great, powerful force. The cultivation of compassion culminates in the state of full awakening in which one has a manifest ability to serve the needs of all sentient beings.

In order to totally eradicate the root of suffering of others, it is necessary to dispel all forms of delusion. For this reason bodhisattvas engage in all sorts of trainings. They become fully adept in the complete training of the śrāvakas, they are well-versed in the training of the pratyekabuddhas, and of course they become well-versed in the training of the Mahāyāna path. This is the manner in which the arousal of great compassion leads to all other excellent qualities.

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