This teaching on the topic Karma and Compassion was given at Bodhicharya Berlin on the occasion of the visit of Master Hai Tao and his retinue.

All ethical values are based on the understanding that all actions have an effect – positive actions have a positive effect and negative actions have a negative effect. This is a fundamental issue for how humanity will survive and how it will become.

Understanding the importance of our way of seeing and reacting then leads to compassion. Compassion is the opposite of the four negative emotions (anger/hatred, attachment/greed, jealousy/envy and pride/arrogance). Wisdom is the opposite of ignorance. Our basic form of ignorance is the dualistic view (“I am”), and compassion can reduce that as well. Compassion is thus what can transform us. It is the wish-fulfilling jewel.

Two versions: English only (files 01-02) and with German translation (files 03-04).

In part 2 (English only file 02, German transl. file 04), Rinpoche answers a question regarding compassion for youself, and whether a person’s character is a result of karma.

Photo courtesy of one of the Facebook pages of Master Hai Tao.

A video recording of the event can also be found at Master Hai Tao’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/masterhaitaolive/videos/vb.151598405268083/2192681447515474/?type=2&theater