Great Compassion "For the Sake of Others"

Zen Master Torei (1721-1792), The Undying Lamp of Zen

"So great compassion is like the sky, because it covers all living beings; great compassion is like the earth, because it produces all the teachings; great compassion makes it possible to see Buddha-nature, by first clarifying real knowledge for the sake of others. Great compassion makes it possible to pass through unyielding barriers, by plumbing the profound teachings more for the sake of others. Great compassion makes it possible to penetrate the transcendental, by seeking a life beyond for others. Great compassion can develop powerful application, by striving on this path for the sake of others. Great compassion can activate intrepidness, by keeping a vigorous will alive for the sake of others. Great compassion makes it possible to get beyond regression, because the mind is settled for the sake of others. Great compassion can produce broad learning, by studying everything for the sake of others. Great compassion can produce erudition, by deep deduction on the principles of things for the sake of others. Great compassion can produce blessings, by always coming up with expedients for others. Great compassion can annihilate afflictions, by sacrificing body, life, and goods for others. Great compassion can extirpate conceit, by acting benevolently for others. Great compassion enble detachement from fame and profit, by basing everything on truth for the sake of others. Great compassion enables entry in the realm of reality, because there is nowhere it does not go for the sake of others. 

The virtues of great compassion are infinite; they could be expounded upon forever without exhausting them, but it boils down to this: Whoever has great compassion can extinguish all obstructions caused by past action and can fulfill all virtues, no principle cannot be understood, no path cannot be practiced, no knowledge cannot be obtained, no virtue not developed."

- Zen Master Torei (1721-1792), The Undying Lamp of Zen, p. 24

 "The practice of the four universal vows first makes liberation of others the number one pledge, along with clarifying your own nature, cutting of the root of afflictions, studying all teachings, and carrying out the activities of Bodhisattvas, so compassion and knowledge are completely fulfilled. This is called the way of Buddhas."
- Zen Master Torei (1721-1792), The Undying Lamp of Zen, p. 22

"Four Universal Vows:
Living beings are infinite, I vow to liberate them.
Afflictions are endless, I vow to stop them.
The teachings are innumerable, I vow to study them.
The way of the Buddhas is supreme, I vow to fulfill it."
- Thomas Cleary

Rinzai Zen Buddhist and Daoist Studies
By Michael P. Garofalo

The Undying Lamp of Zen: The Testament of Zen Master Torei. By Torei Enji (1721-1792). Translated and edited by Thomas Cleary. Shambhala, 2010, 144 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Ch'an (Zen) Buddhist  Poems, Verses, Sayings, Quotations, Quips, and Koans.  Selected Quotations:  One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine 
Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo