Opening Our Heart – Empathy, Compassion and Bodhichitta
In this teaching, given on a Friday evening in Spring 2024 at Palpung Wales, Ringu Tulku emphasizes how Empathy, Compassion and Bodhicitta are all relatively currently lacking in the world, but describes how we can improve matters both within ourself, and in a wider sense.
Empathy is to feel the problems of others, secondary to being aware that we don’t wish to suffer. The same instinct is present in others. It is natural to then feel compassion, where we wish everyone to be free from pain and disatisfaction. Not for a short while, but forever.
When this compassionate feeling becomes broad and universal, extending to everyone, with the wish that it be accomplished for all beings, combined with the instinct to achieving and realising that (even if it takes a long time), this motivation and intention is Bodhicitta.
When we have this motivation we are Bodhisattvas.
Rinpoche discusses that commitment towards this goal benefits the world now and our future lives; with the encouragement to be a Compassionate Warrior.
Ringu Tulku then references the Gesar of Ling epic.
When our compassion becomes more instinctive and guine, our mind becomes very pure and our heart totally open.
However empathy shouldn’t become too emotional; feeling others’ pain so strongly that it incapacitates us. So we require understanding too, so that we can work effectively.
We need to make ourselves strong with the right motivation without becoming discouraged. If we are currently unable to help, then we can at least make the prayer and dedication that others’ suffering is alleviated.
Some have been Bodhisattvas for countless eons. Humour and laughter will help in the interim!
Bodhicitta is THE most essential practice of Mahayana and Vajrayana.
Rinpoche then searches for the word SULK!
Q&A
Q. Can someone be a Bodhisattva without the conscious ideation to liberate all beings? A natural manifestation, without a manifesto?
