Ch 6 Part 5 Homage to Great Compassion Flashcards
(500 cards)
What is the ‘path of the unified wisdom and method’?
The Mahāyāna path, where compassion (method) and wisdom (emptiness) are integrated.
How does ‘great compassion’ transform one’s life?
It provides a profound sense of purpose and meaning, transforming all actions into opportunities to benefit others.
What is the role of ‘hearing’ the Dharma in cultivating compassion?
Hearing the teachings on compassion plants the initial seeds and provides understanding.
What is the role of ‘contemplating’ the Dharma in cultivating compassion?
Contemplating deepens the understanding and fosters a more heartfelt experience of compassion.
What is the role of ‘meditating’ on the Dharma in cultivating compassion?
Meditating stabilizes and integrates compassion into one’s mindstream.
What is the ‘essence of the Bodhisattva’s practice’?
To generate and act from bodhicitta, propelled by great compassion.
What is the meaning of ‘unwavering’ compassion?
Compassion that remains constant and does not diminish even in adverse circumstances or when dealing with difficult beings.
What is the ‘source of all happiness’ for a Mahāyāna practitioner?
The altruistic intention to benefit others, born from compassion.
What is the primary ‘obstacle’ to developing compassion?
The deeply ingrained habit of self-cherishing.
How does compassion manifest as ‘skillful means’ (upāya)?
By inspiring a bodhisattva to adopt various effective strategies to help diverse sentient beings.
What is the ‘fundamental attitude’ of a bodhisattva?
To prioritize the welfare of others above one’s own.
What is the ‘result of practicing compassion’ for the world?
It contributes to greater peace, harmony, and well-being in the world.
What is the ‘driving force’ behind the bodhisattva’s commitment to liberate all beings?
Great compassion.
What is the ‘purpose of the Bodhisattva vows’ in cultivating compassion?
They serve as a framework and commitment to actualize one’s compassionate aspirations.
How does ‘great compassion’ lead to ‘fearlessness’ in a bodhisattva?
When one’s focus is on liberating others, personal fears become less significant.
What is the significance of ‘dedicating one’s body
speech, and mind’ to others?,”It is a manifestation of profound compassion, signifying a complete surrender to altruistic action.
What is the ‘essence of the Mahāyāna practitioner’s life’ fueled by compassion?
Living for the benefit of all sentient beings, rooted in compassion.
How does ‘compassion’ contribute to the ‘practitioner’s own happiness’?
By reducing self-centeredness and fostering altruism, it leads to genuine inner peace and joy, which are ultimately happiness.
What is the ‘universal scope’ of compassion?
It extends to every single sentient being in every realm of existence, without any limitation or discrimination.
What is the relationship between ‘compassion’ and ‘ultimate happiness’ for all beings?
Compassion drives the effort to secure ultimate happiness (enlightenment) for all beings, beyond temporary worldly joys.
How does ‘great compassion’ lead to the ‘wisdom realizing emptiness’?
It motivates the pursuit of wisdom to understand the root of suffering (ignorance of emptiness) and to apply the most effective antidote for others’ liberation.
What is the ‘analogy of the fertile ground’ for compassion?
Compassion is the fertile ground upon which all good qualities, virtues, and the seeds of enlightenment can flourish.
What is the role of ‘equanimity’ in preparing the mind for compassion?
It removes the biases of attachment and aversion, ensuring that compassion extends equally to all beings.
What is the significance of ‘meditation on the kindness of others’ in developing compassion?
It helps to dismantle self-centeredness and cultivate a profound sense of gratitude, opening the heart to universal compassion.