11. Altruism and the mind of enlightenment
OVERVIEW
All the happiness of the world arises
From wishing others to be happy;
All the suffering of the world arise
From wishing oneself to be happy.
Rinpoche invites us to discover the deep meaning of these verses composed by ācārya Śāntideva, and to bring forth within us the source of all happiness: altruism.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THESE TEACHINGS?
Throughout these teachings, Rinpoche describes with rare precision the different nuances of altruism: impartiality, gratitude, love, compassion, universal responsibility and the mind of enlightenment, which constitutes the summit of kindness. He also reveals to us, with all the richness of the instructions transmitted from generation to generation, how to train in this mind of enlightenment, which expresses a spontaneous aspiration to unsurpassed enlightenment for the sake of all beings. For all those who aspire to become a presence of love and compassion in the world, Rinpoche shares rare teachings: lojong or mind trainings, which lead us to transform all our activities and all the events that we might encounter as opportunities to increase ever more an unconditional love and compassion which embraces all beings.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
These meditations will lead you to recognize better and better the benefits of altruism and to overcome any reluctance you may have, due to certain wounds of the past or various influences of the present. On the basis of these authentic instructions, which have been experienced and actualized by generations of meditators, you will gradually come to feel and express a love and a compassion for all beings, and to cause to arise in you the aspiration for unsurpassed enlightenment for the sake of all - others as well as yourself.