Compassion Practice in Tibetan Buddhism
Thupten Jinpa
Thupten Jinpa is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist scholar who has served as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s principal English translator. He emphasizes that compassion is not just a Buddhist concept but is a fundamental aspect of human well-being and a path to a more positive and connected world. Compassion is defined as a concern for the suffering of others motivated by a desire to alleviate it. Compassion and empathy are part of our natural desire for connection and positive relationships and are not merely abstract ideals. Compassion is a natural human capacity that can be cultivated through practice. As such it serves as a key aspect of our well-being and as a foundation for experiencing happiness.