Trainings in Compassion

At this stage of working with deeper layers of the mind which can be the roots of suffering, Akong Rinpoche introduces us to more traditional Mahayana and Vajrayana meditation practices. Rinpoche enumerated three main practices for the later stages of the Tara Rokpa Process. In these three practices we study, contemplate and practice from compassion stage and beyond. These three are:- 

• Seven Points of Mind Training with extensive study and practice opportunities, including relative and ultimate aspects.
• Chenrezig (sadhana) to help us to develop our compassion and broaden our view.
• Kalu Rinpoche Yogas that help us engage body, speech and mind in our practice and constitute a brief introductory summary of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana practices; while helping us connect to a yoga discipline. 

These practices are supplemented by a recommended reading list so that we can engage in the disciplines of study, contemplation and meditation; three key disciplines of a Buddhist approach to taming our minds.

All of these Compassion stages are introduced as secular context. There is no need to become a committed Buddhist and they may be studied and practiced alongside engagement with other spiritual traditions or none.