Preface

IN THIS SCIENTIFIC AGE, in all parts of the world, East and West, technology is

improving our external environment. But hand in hand with technological
development arise conflict, disease, and degeneration of the environment.
Likewise, the many new types of weapons of war pose a great threat to both the
world and its inhabitants. As a result, we all suffer intensely in a way that was
unimaginable five hundred years ago. The suffering brought about by new
illnesses and fear of modern weapons overwhelms the pleasure arising from
technological advance, and everyone in this world, from the rich to the poor,
suffers equally in this regard. Someone who experiences complete and perfect
well-being, mentally and physically, is extremely rare. Further, if we consider
that, no matter how great an abundance of possessions people have, many still kill
themselves, and that every day still more and more people threaten others under
the pretext of acting on behalf of culture or religion, it becomes clear that
materialism cannot make this world a happy and pleasant place.
If we wish to enjoy a pleasant and happy life, first of all, we need the cause of
happiness, which is loving-kindness and compassion. For example, in order for a
household to be happy, it is vital that there be love and affection between husband
and wife. In the same way, such sentiments are needed between friends, between
cultures, and between countries. In short, once there are two people together
wishing for happiness and well-being, loving-kindness and compassion must arise,
each toward the other. Moreover, they need a pure intention, free of both
expectation of reward and selfish attitudes. This is very important. If that is
lacking, our loving-kindness and compassion are biased and partial, and when we
encounter negative circumstances, we are conflicted, and again we suffer. It is as
the Tibetan proverb says, “When our compassion wears out, anger becomes the
enemy.”
Genuine loving-kindness and compassion that are free of selfish intentions and
expectation of reward are like wonderful medicines that can benefit the whole of
society. Until impartial loving-kindness and compassion are present, no matter
how strong an affection may dwell in a kind person’s heart right now, and no
matter how strong the bond between different countries, such sentiments can
never last. The hope that something will accrue in return may produce
disappointment that stirs up resentment, and once again conflict will arise. The
root of the problem is selfishness. If we can be free of such selfishness and take on
loving-kindness and compassion, like fragrant scent on top of gold, then society as
a whole may improve.
In this book, The Great Secret of Mind, I have tried to explain how to abandon
selfish attitudes and give rise to uncontrived loving-kindness and compassion by
means of the technique of the Great Perfection. From the general perspective of
dharma practitioners, it is a way to accomplish buddhahood in their next lifetime