CULTIVATING THE SEEDS WITHIN

Every human being has within them the greatest of all virtues; and all human beings want the same thing: happiness.

COMPASSION

"According to Buddhism, compassion is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. It's not passive -- it's not empathy alone -- but rather an empathetic altruism that actively strives to free others from suffering. Genuine compassion must have both wisdom and lovingkindness. " ~ HHDL, "The Essence of the Heart Sutra"

SYMPATHETIC JOY

Rejoice in the happiness of others .

LOVING-KINDNESS

"The Pali word metta is a multi-significant term meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, benevolence, fellowship, amity, concord, inoffensiveness and non-violence. The Pali commentators define metta as the strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others (parahita-parasukha-kamana). ... True metta is devoid of self-interest. It evokes within a warm-hearted feeling of fellowship, sympathy and love, which grows boundless with practice and overcomes all social, religious, racial, political and economic barriers." ~ Acharya Buddharakkhita

EQUANIMITY

Regard all sentient beings as equal. Do not become attached to friends or enemies.