Guru Rinpoche on the Mahayana

This is an excerpt from "Dakini Teachings", a "terma" that contains teachings from Guru Rinpoche to Yeshe Tsogyal.

"Master Padma said: When you persevere in Dharma practice, it is essential to always train in turning any virtuous root of action, through body, speech, or mind, to be for the benefit of others.

First, train gradually in this with the smallest deeds. From time to time, check to see whether or not you are tainted by the defilement of self-interest. You will not be successful if you retain even the tiniest taint of selfishness. Make sure not to be tainted by the defilement of self-interest.

The difference between the greater and lesser vehicles is the arousing of bodhicitta. The difference is created not by the view but by compassion. Therefore keeping the view of the natural state, train yourself in great compassion.

For the benefit of self and others, abandon the suffering of samsara forever.

Train repeatedly in feeling renunciation for samsara.

Train in taking upon yourself the burden of the suffering of others.

First train in regarding all sentient beings as being like yourself. Train in feeling that the suffering of others is your own suffering. Then train in cherishing sentient beings as being more important than yourself.

Train in the great compassion that involuntarily acts for the welfare of others.

The word Mahayana implies simply to cherish others as being superior to oneself. Mahayana never implies the pursuit of happiness solely for oneself with no thought for the suffering of others, regarding oneself as more important."

pp 6-7.