The Dalai Lama and the Spirit of Compassion

Greetings to our friends and community,

Inspired by the birth month of the Dalai Lama, I am choosing to once again bring my full attention to strengthening my container for compassion, my reservoir. I start with myself, move out to loved ones, to those I know, to those I have perceived grievances with, to those I don’t know—spiraling outward until I have encompassed all.

The practice of compassion begins at home. We have our parents, our children, and our brothers and sisters, who perhaps irritate us the most, and we begin our practice of loving-kindness and compassion with them. Then gradually we extend our compassion out into our greater community, our country, neighboring countries, the world, and finally to all sentient beings equally without exception.

~Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

I hold practice as creating a mental tone like people talk about body tone—a certain muscle memory that can be called upon always, and, especially during times of challenge. Challenge may show up as a flash of irritation, impatience in our daily lives, or a bigger storm of personal loss or collective tragedy. Jack Kornfield’s A Path with Heart has several wonderful written descriptions of practices you might want to explore.

What I do know is that when I have been committed to this practice, I have experienced the creation of a constant source of energy, determination and kindness…

What if I should discover that the poorest of the beggars and the most impudent of offenders are all within me; and that I stand in need of the alms of my own kindness, that I, myself, am the enemy who must be loved -- what then?

~Carl Jung

May we all be free. May be dwell in the heart,

Teresa, spirit of Thule, Tucker and all at Paradise Found