This was a very inspiring workshop about what compassion really is. We think we know, but most of us have not really thought deeply about it. Anyone who has ever been called upon to help others when they are having a hard time, may have wished they could have more. Those need it for their professions, or are caregivers, may sometimes feel their compassion is limited, even burning out. But where does it come from? Can it be prevented from diminishing over our lifetime? Or can it be expanded, stabilised, made more effortless and vast?

These teachings guide you through ways of expanding your compassion, without feeling drained even when faced with difficult daily situations.

At the core of Tibetan Buddhism is a heart of compassion. Whether your goal is to work towards enlightenment, or simply learn how to provide compassion with less effort, the goals are connected. Compassion and enlightenment arrive at the same place.

“In an absolute sense, compassion is the awakened nature of the mind”—Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

David R Shlim MD worked as a doctor in Kathmandu for fifteen years, taking care of expatriates, tourists, and mountain climbers, along with Tibetan lamas and a large monastic community, and newly arrived Tibetan refugees. He was the personal physician of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche for eleven years and has been a close student of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche for more than thirty-four years. Inspired by the teachings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche—and the benefit they had on his medical practice—he collaborated with Rinpoche to produce the groundbreaking book, Medicine and Compassion, a guidebook on how to train towards a compassion that is more stable, vast, and effortless.

Dr. Shlim was at Gomde Scotland for a two-day seminar to share his almost twenty years of experience in teaching about compassion. Whether you are an experienced Dharma student, or have never had Buddhist teachings before, this seminar will help you renew your relationship with compassion.