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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 35

The practice described earlier, of developing radiant, They teach Dhamma…
kind-hearted awareness, can be a wholesome base in
They fling open the door to freedom from death,
all situations. Then, it is good to remember that every
one of us, including our attacker, is a conditioned being. freeing many from yokes.
Their choice to act in unwholesome ways is based on
Following the path so well taught
their history, social conditioning, and past unhealthy
views. Knowing this, I can feel compassion for them. by the unsurpassed caravan leader,
those who are diligent in the Holy One’s teaching
Even when my actions are to help them stop hurting me,
make an end of suffering in this very life.”
I do it out of love for both of us. I focus my practice on
not acting from hate or fear. Instead, I act from love. I act
in ways that reduce harm and cruelty in the world. So it is by deeply practicing and sharing the ways of
liberating practice that we are most compassionate and
However, please note that this is a training for wherever of most benefit in the world.
we are in the moment. For example, a person who feels
anger and wants to swear or yell when someone is The Buddha’s compassion and the wisdom and
unkind, might focus on the part of the sutta that says, “I inspiration of the arahants from 2600 years ago still
will utter no evil words,” and practice by not speaking support us today. More recently awakened teachers
at all, taking deep breaths, and cooling their mind by also inspire. Their modeling the full awakening is
redirecting their focus to the state of their body and deeply beneficial.
how to bring about more softness and calm. This is self-
care. And the restraint from yelling is kindness toward I also trust that, on my way to full awakening, all my acts
the unkind. of kindness in this life will continue to ripple into my
future lives and the lives of everyone around me.
Buddhists are taught to be kind and compassionate
to others, yet the goal of the Buddhist path is to The practice that supports myself and others in this
awaken, which ends rebirth. At that point, it seems lifetime and for lifetimes to come is aligning with love
we will not be around to help others after death. How in all my interactions to the best of my abilities. Living
does Buddhism explain this seeming contradiction? with the question, “What is the kindest thing right now,”
I trust is a benefit to myself and the world for however

Our highest value to humanity is living fully the example many lifetimes I live. When I see compassion faltering
of awakening. What greater gift is there than proof that and where it is not yet unbounded, I aim to grow in
the happiness of Nibbana is possible? kindness and understanding. This example is of great
service both to my potential awakening and the relief of
In Itivuttaka 84, the Buddha tells us: suffering in others.

“These three people arise in the world for the welfare How can compassion be practiced alongside
and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the wisdom?
world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods
and humans.
In the most integrated states of practice, wisdom and
1. a Buddha arises in the world, … who reveals a compassion inform our thoughts, actions, and body
spiritual practice. states with balanced responsivity. Compassion without
2. a disciple of the Buddha, … who is rightly freed wisdom is an act of kindness outside of the context
through enlightenment. They teach Dhamma… of reality. It may be geared toward being helpful, but
3. a trainee in the Buddha’s teaching, a learned it is without the effectiveness that wisdom brings
practitioner with precepts and observances intact. to our actions. Wisdom facilitates compassion that