Bodhicharyavatara Chapter 9, Stanzas 75-77

On the basis of previous discussions and refutations on the non-existence of a solid self, we come to the next logical debate, which broaches the question of why there is any need for compassion when nothing is real? Who or what becomes enlightened if there is no self, and no other? This leads us into another conundrum: we have previously been told that compassion for others and the wish to relieve them from suffering is the way to go, but conversely here, Shantideva says that any goal or wish to bring other beings to enlightenment is in itself wrong view and should be abandoned. – So where does that leave us?

Ultimately, enlightenment doesn’t exist, any more than samsara does, but because of the deluded belief that it does, those who believe in the existence of a self will suffer in their striving to be happy. Compassion is therefore necessary because through it we can show that by practising meditation and following the path beings may develop a profound understanding of the illusory nature of phenomena.

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