3. Compassion

A fully enlightened Buddha has three essential qualities: infinite compassion for every living being and the wish only to benefit them; the perfect wisdom that knows exactly how to benefit them; and the effortless ability to do so. The Buddha of Compassion, beloved by Tibetan Buddhists, is known in Tibetan as Chenrezig (in Sanskrit, Avalokiteshvara; in English, Compassionate-Eyed One). He is depicted in the bodhisattva aspect with a white light body and with four arms. The first left hand holds a lotus, which symbolizes wisdom, and his first right hand holds a crystal mala. His other two hands hold a gem, which symbolizes altruistic compassion. Driven by his selfless love and empathy for all beings, like a parent for their most precious children, Chenrezig works unceasingly to help, peacefully and patiently, never giving up. As His Holiness says, Buddhas think in terms of eons. Tibetans believe that His Holiness himself is the embodiment of this Buddha. Naturally, the recitation of this mantra is one of their prevalent practices. Reciting the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion opens our hearts and brings us closer to others, to feel love and compassion through wisdom, and generates a desire to help. It therefore naturally calms our anger, jealousy, depression, and other unhappy emotions that are the source of our own suffering and that separate us from others.

Artist Credits His Holiness the Dalai Lama — Voice Abraham Kunin — Guitar, Piano, Synth/Drum Programming Alex Freer — Drums, Percussion Gandhaar Amin — Bansuri John Davis — Upright Bass Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper — String