Transcendence through Compassion

Yutang Lin

Circling in comparison and complaints is much sorrow;
Imitating great compassion would instantly yield relief.
No more chasing after accounting of advantage or fault,
Maintain only the altruistic attitude of wishing all well.

Comment:

Living in this world full of imperfections it is quite easy for one to be ensnared in the sorrowful circle of comparison and complaint; one just runs and runs in such circles with hardly any rest or peace. Even though we do not have the great compassion of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, nevertheless there is no harm in trying to imitate their supreme state of mind. One no longer looks at things from the point of view of one's gain or loss, or past favors or grudges; instead, one just maintains a universal good will toward all beings that one encounters or knows of. In this way it is possible to transcend one's worldly sorrows and suffering through cultivation of compassion in daily life.

Written in Chinese and translated on November 8, 2002
El Cerrito, California

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