spirituality, humanity and the nature of compassion peter gilbert memorial lecture 21st may paul...

Spirituality, Humanity and The Spirituality, Humanity and The Nature of CompassionNature of Compassion

Prof Peter Gilbert Memorial Lecture 21st Peter Gilbert Memorial Lecture 21st MayMay

Paul Gilbert PhD. FBPsS, OBEPaul Gilbert PhD. FBPsS, OBE

www.www.compassionatemind.co.ukcompassionatemind.co.ukwww.compassioantewelbeing.comwww.compassioantewelbeing.com

Prof Peter Gilbert15 April 1950 - 12 December 2013

Prof Peter GilbertProf Peter Gilbert• Peter was a founder members of The National Peter was a founder members of The National

Spirituality and Mental Health Forum with eighteen Spirituality and Mental Health Forum with eighteen other trustees other trustees

• The Forum was given a three year grant from the The Forum was given a three year grant from the Department of Health in April 2009 and Peter was the Department of Health in April 2009 and Peter was the ProjectProject lead – which he continued on a voluntary basis lead – which he continued on a voluntary basis when the grant endedwhen the grant ended

• He was open about his own personal issues and He was open about his own personal issues and dedicated dedicated to gaining recognition for the importance of to gaining recognition for the importance of peoples’ spiritual needs, yearnings and helpfulness in peoples’ spiritual needs, yearnings and helpfulness in mental health – and how these should always be rooted mental health – and how these should always be rooted in a deep sense of compassion for the human conditionin a deep sense of compassion for the human condition

Begun whilst Begun whilst still running still running

marathons and marathons and finished with finished with

determination determination when illwhen ill

The Two Psychologies of CompassionThe Two Psychologies of CompassionCompassion can be defined in many ways but focuses on two Compassion can be defined in many ways but focuses on two

key psychologies: key psychologies:

As a As a sensitivitysensitivity to the suffering of self and others with a deep to the suffering of self and others with a deep commitment to try to relievecommitment to try to relieve and and preventprevent it it

Two different Psychologies Two different Psychologies – To approach, understand and (how to) engage with To approach, understand and (how to) engage with

suffering - looking into its causes - COURAGEsuffering - looking into its causes - COURAGE

– To work to alleviate and prevent suffering – work to To work to alleviate and prevent suffering – work to acquire wisdom and skills - DEDICATIONacquire wisdom and skills - DEDICATION

Each more complex than might at first seemEach more complex than might at first seem

Mental HealthMental Health

• Compassion is the central motivation to Compassion is the central motivation to address Mental Healthaddress Mental Health

• Not just in the sufferer but those who Not just in the sufferer but those who cause it – who undermine the well being cause it – who undermine the well being of otherof other

• That links compassion to a moral That links compassion to a moral dimensiondimension

Peter was always interested in the the Big Peter was always interested in the the Big QuestionsQuestions

The Nature of reality and The Nature of reality and How we fit into itHow we fit into it

Central to CompassionCentral to Compassion

The Implications of The Implications of Evolution and the Evolution and the

Nature of SufferingNature of Sufferingfor the for the

Spiritual MindSpiritual Mind

Core IssueCore IssueOur troubles......arise from the fact that we do not Our troubles......arise from the fact that we do not know what we are and cannot agree on what we know what we are and cannot agree on what we want to be. The primary cause of this intellectual want to be. The primary cause of this intellectual failure is ignorance of our origins. We did not failure is ignorance of our origins. We did not arrive on this planet as aliens. Humanity is part of arrive on this planet as aliens. Humanity is part of nature, a species that evolved among other species. nature, a species that evolved among other species. The more closely we identify ourselves with the The more closely we identify ourselves with the rest of life, the more quickly we will be able to rest of life, the more quickly we will be able to discover the sources of humans sensibility and discover the sources of humans sensibility and acquire the knowledge on which an enduring ethic, acquire the knowledge on which an enduring ethic, a sense of preferred direction, can be built. a sense of preferred direction, can be built.

(E.O. Wilson, 1992 p. 332).

Humanity is part of the Humanity is part of the flow life -- flow life -- 99% of all 99% of all species that have species that have existed are extinctexisted are extinct

Compassion begins with a reality checkCompassion begins with a reality checkInsight builds wisdomInsight builds wisdom

• We are gene-built - with evolved brains designed to We are gene-built - with evolved brains designed to struggle to survive, to want, grasp and avoid painstruggle to survive, to want, grasp and avoid pain

• We are all born, grow, decay and die - and are We are all born, grow, decay and die - and are susceptible to many diseases and injuries – life with susceptible to many diseases and injuries – life with tragedy – pain and suffering – more than tragedy – pain and suffering – more than impermanenceimpermanence

• We are socially shaped – from our gene We are socially shaped – from our gene expressions, to our sense of self and values – baby expressions, to our sense of self and values – baby kidnapkidnap

Why Compassion?Why Compassion?• Compassion is helpful and is associated with Compassion is helpful and is associated with

well-being and moral behaviour – and therapywell-being and moral behaviour – and therapy

Deeper LevelDeeper Level• There is something terrifying and deeply tragic There is something terrifying and deeply tragic

at the heart of human existence at the heart of human existence

• There is anger, fear and grief that we are There is anger, fear and grief that we are normally dissociated from – until it knocks on normally dissociated from – until it knocks on our door our door

• Terror management with dissociation from Terror management with dissociation from reality is normal but a deeply problematic reality is normal but a deeply problematic human way of dealing with realityhuman way of dealing with reality

The brain itself is The brain itself is our biggest our biggest

challenge!!!challenge!!!

The human brain is the product of many millions of years of The human brain is the product of many millions of years of evolutionevolution – a process of conserving, modifying and – a process of conserving, modifying and

adaptingadapting

Old Brain FunctionsOld Brain Functions

MotivesMotives (harm-avoidance, food, sex, caring, status)(harm-avoidance, food, sex, caring, status)Emotions Emotions (anger, anxiety, sadness, joy)(anger, anxiety, sadness, joy)Behaviours Behaviours (fight, flight, shut down, courting(fight, flight, shut down, courting , caring, caring))

Tricky Brain and its problematic loopsTricky Brain and its problematic loops

New Brain TroublesNew Brain Troubles

Self-monitoringSelf-monitoring

Self-criticismSelf-criticism

Fearful ImaginationFearful Imagination

Fear of feelingsFear of feelings

Emotional avoidanceEmotional avoidance

Shame – sense of inferiorityShame – sense of inferiority

RuminationRumination

New Brain CompetenciesNew Brain Competencies:: Imagine, Plan, Ruminate, Self-monitor, Self-identity

Old Brain FucntionsOld Brain FucntionsMotives (harm-avoidance, food, sex, caring, status)Emotions (anger, anxiety, sadness, joy)Behaviours (fight, flight, shut down, courting, caring)

Tricky Brain and its problematic loopsTricky Brain and its problematic loops

Emotion level

Time

New brain

New brain

New brain

dwellingdwelling imagining imagining worst outcomeworst outcome

self-criticisingself-criticising etc…etc…

Old brain

Sometimes unhelpfulSometimes unhelpful

A mind that does not A mind that does not know itselfknow itself

Dangerous, Cruel Dangerous, Cruel and Crazy Mind?and Crazy Mind?

Built in BiasesBuilt in Biases Compassion insightsCompassion insights

Biased learning – e.g., fear of snakes not Biased learning – e.g., fear of snakes not electricityelectricityBiases can be implicit (non-conscious) or explicit Biases can be implicit (non-conscious) or explicit (Conscious) (Conscious)

Self-focusedSelf-focusedKin preferences – (nepotism)Kin preferences – (nepotism)In-group preferences – (tribalism)In-group preferences – (tribalism)

Cruelty and CallousnessCruelty and CallousnessThe deliberate causing of harm/suffering to another either The deliberate causing of harm/suffering to another either for pleasure, personal benefit or social conformityfor pleasure, personal benefit or social conformity

• TortureTorture• SlaverySlavery• Women as property – subservientWomen as property – subservient• Chinese foot binding, FGM, Chinese foot binding, FGM, • Domestic violence, rape.Domestic violence, rape.

50%+ of children from some inner cities show high rates 50%+ of children from some inner cities show high rates of PTSD symptoms with a range of health and learning of PTSD symptoms with a range of health and learning

effects (effects (Horowitz, McKay & Marshall, 2005) Horowitz, McKay & Marshall, 2005)

Compassion:Compassion:

Can we Can we recognise that recognise that through our through our

own actions or own actions or inactions we can inactions we can be contributors be contributors to our own and to our own and other peopleother people’’s s

sufferingsuffering??

Compassion and Compassion and SpiritualitySpirituality

Exploring spirituality and Exploring spirituality and its relation to sufferingits relation to suffering

New Spiritual FocusNew Spiritual Focus Alistair Hardy explored lived experiencesAlistair Hardy explored lived experiences

Have you ever been aware of, or influenced by a power, Have you ever been aware of, or influenced by a power, whether you call it God or not, which is different from your whether you call it God or not, which is different from your

everyday selfeveryday self

Expansiveness - beyond the self or current realityExpansiveness - beyond the self or current reality

Connectedness - peacefulnessConnectedness - peacefulness

Environment and sensory cuesEnvironment and sensory cues

Reorganises self-valuesReorganises self-values

SpiritualitySpirituality

• A sense of transcendence that extends A sense of transcendence that extends beyond selfbeyond self

• A source of personal meaning in life A source of personal meaning in life and self-identityand self-identity

• A connection and part of something A connection and part of something greater than oneselfgreater than oneself

• A sense of a presence of a unifying force A sense of a presence of a unifying force or energyor energy

Religion and SpiritualitiesReligion and Spiritualities

The word religion comes from the The word religion comes from the Latin Latin religierereligiere meaning meaning to reconnectto reconnect

Religious schools and beliefs focus on forms of Religious schools and beliefs focus on forms of connectedness and meaningconnectedness and meaning

Forms of connectedness are shaped via innate Forms of connectedness are shaped via innate mechanisms for understanding social roles –often tribalmechanisms for understanding social roles –often tribal

God images shaped by socio-economic processes –e.g., God images shaped by socio-economic processes –e.g., help in warfare or nurture harvests.help in warfare or nurture harvests.

What Shapes the forms of Religion What Shapes the forms of Religion and Spiritualities?and Spiritualities?

Heath, Bell and Sternberg (2001) point out that to adopt a Heath, Bell and Sternberg (2001) point out that to adopt a belief system, like a belief in witchcraft, God, the value of belief system, like a belief in witchcraft, God, the value of spirituality or the power of compassion, the focus must be spirituality or the power of compassion, the focus must be on something that is relevant to a person and have certain on something that is relevant to a person and have certain qualities and functions qualities and functions

Public engagementPublic engagement

Personal endorsementPersonal endorsement

Nature of threat (physical, isolation, meaning, control)Nature of threat (physical, isolation, meaning, control)

Religion and SpiritualitiesReligion and Spiritualities

* Usually contains messages about types of * Usually contains messages about types of threatthreat and how and how to deal with them (e.g., have to develop a relationship with to deal with them (e.g., have to develop a relationship with ‘deities to win them over) ‘deities to win them over)

* Is transpersonal (affects others)* Is transpersonal (affects others)

* Must fit with the ecological needs of the group (e.g., * Must fit with the ecological needs of the group (e.g., developing beliefs in Gods of the sea are relevant to sea developing beliefs in Gods of the sea are relevant to sea farers but not land locked peoples)farers but not land locked peoples)

* Guides social behaviours and informs rituals which are * Guides social behaviours and informs rituals which are emotionally textured, and provides a sense of group emotionally textured, and provides a sense of group coherence and belonging (believing in the same things)coherence and belonging (believing in the same things)

Spiritualities are Placed in Historical and Spiritualities are Placed in Historical and

Cultural ContextsCultural Contexts Soul Concepts –Relational (Single or Multiple Gods)Soul Concepts –Relational (Single or Multiple Gods)Vedic traditionVedic tradition Life as a journey - soul Life as a journey - soul progresses/evolves via learning via trails -- re-incarnationprogresses/evolves via learning via trails -- re-incarnationArabic traditionArabic tradition World is where one is tested: Good go to World is where one is tested: Good go to heaven and bad are punishedheaven and bad are punishedGreek/RomanGreek/Roman We are play things of the Gods: can We are play things of the Gods: can aspire to join the elite – nice and unpleasant places after deathaspire to join the elite – nice and unpleasant places after deathChristianityChristianity Introduces family and attachment Introduces family and attachment psychology. Here is suffering Home is Heavenpsychology. Here is suffering Home is HeavenBuddhismBuddhism Karma and rebirth:Karma and rebirth:

PantheismPantheism God Consciousness pervades all - Material world (including God Consciousness pervades all - Material world (including humans) are patterns of its form. Ripples on the lake; humans) are patterns of its form. Ripples on the lake; snowflakessnowflakes

God AS…..God AS…..

God as beyond human reason and human God as beyond human reason and human understanding - the unknown (as in Aristotle) understanding - the unknown (as in Aristotle) versusversus God as human-like with feelings, passions and desires God as human-like with feelings, passions and desires - issue of projection vs empathy- issue of projection vs empathy

God as awakening via the consciousness of humans God as awakening via the consciousness of humans (as in Jung) (as in Jung) versusversus God as already fully formed and God as already fully formed and conscious and in the process of revealing him/herself conscious and in the process of revealing him/herself toto usus

God as accessible only via deep mediation, intuition God as accessible only via deep mediation, intuition and mystical knowledge and mystical knowledge versusversus God who relies on God who relies on science, reason and philosophy to reveal him/herselfscience, reason and philosophy to reveal him/herself

God as a personal and available deity with whom we God as a personal and available deity with whom we can personally relate can personally relate versusversus God as an impersonal, God as an impersonal, pantheistic force (as in Star Wars movies; or Buddha pantheistic force (as in Star Wars movies; or Buddha consciousness)consciousness)

God as a Performer of FunctionsGod as a Performer of Functions

Social Regulator (social function)Social Regulator (social function)

Law giver/judgeLaw giver/judge

Leader/protectorLeader/protector

Ultimate authority/power to reward/punishUltimate authority/power to reward/punish

The more threatened groups feel the more submissive The more threatened groups feel the more submissive behaviour and obedience dominates the forms behaviour and obedience dominates the forms

Personal Self/Object (personal function)Personal Self/Object (personal function)

FatherFather

SootherSoother

SaviourSaviourBlade Runner – kill the creatorBlade Runner – kill the creator

Jung “save us from what”Jung “save us from what”

BuddhismBuddhism

• No DeitiesNo Deities

• Law of cause and effect - KarmaLaw of cause and effect - Karma

• The nature of impermanenceThe nature of impermanence

• Consciousness as pureConsciousness as pure

• Training the mindTraining the mind

Pain and sufferingPain and suffering• Many explanations for pain and suffering: Suffering is Many explanations for pain and suffering: Suffering is

punishment (Genesis); as a test; as karma; as ‘bad luck’punishment (Genesis); as a test; as karma; as ‘bad luck’

• Western Science - addresses pain directly, find source and Western Science - addresses pain directly, find source and

cures – Anaesthetics is a great gift. Many diseases are now cures – Anaesthetics is a great gift. Many diseases are now

treatable. Increase pleasure and comfortstreatable. Increase pleasure and comforts

• Eastern approaches focus on suffering as linked to how we Eastern approaches focus on suffering as linked to how we

deal with pain and grasp after pleasures –role of minddeal with pain and grasp after pleasures –role of mind

• We are moving to a scientific We are moving to a scientific integrationintegration – all focused on – all focused on

understanding the nature of suffering and what to do understanding the nature of suffering and what to do

about it about it

The core driver of human The core driver of human evolution was evolution was Social RelatingSocial Relating

• We relate for many reasons – status, We relate for many reasons – status, friendship/co-operation, caring and sexfriendship/co-operation, caring and sex

• Attachment – proximity seeking, secure base Attachment – proximity seeking, secure base and safe havenand safe haven

• Belonging – self-identity and social valuesBelonging – self-identity and social values• Spiritualities offer forms of relating that can be Spiritualities offer forms of relating that can be

textured by all our social/relating textured by all our social/relating needs/motives needs/motives

• Compassion is form of relating linked to caring Compassion is form of relating linked to caring motivesmotives

The Two Psychologies of CompassionThe Two Psychologies of Compassion

Compassion can be defined in many ways but focuses on two Compassion can be defined in many ways but focuses on two key psychologies: key psychologies:

As a As a sensitivitysensitivity to the suffering of self and others with a deep to the suffering of self and others with a deep commitment to try to relievecommitment to try to relieve and and preventprevent it it

Two different Psychologies Two different Psychologies – To approach, understand and (how to) engage with To approach, understand and (how to) engage with

suffering - looking into its causes - COURAGEsuffering - looking into its causes - COURAGE

– To work to alleviate and prevent suffering – work to To work to alleviate and prevent suffering – work to acquire wisdom and skills - DEDICATIONacquire wisdom and skills - DEDICATION

Each more complex than might at first seemEach more complex than might at first seem

The dark side of religion The dark side of religion and spiritualityand spirituality

What states of mind generate What states of mind generate different spiritualities and different spiritualities and

religions?religions?

God as ThreatGod as Threat

• Early ideas of God as Early ideas of God as vengeful and fear of vengeful and fear of authority –authority –

• Sets the social Sets the social context for God to be context for God to be used as a punishing used as a punishing authority and gives authority and gives power/status to those power/status to those who can use God as a who can use God as a threat (or promise)threat (or promise)

A Submissive StrategyA Submissive Strategy

Powerful Other(s) (Gods)Powerful Other(s) (Gods)

(harmful and/or protective)(harmful and/or protective)

Appease, submit, comply (sacrifice)Appease, submit, comply (sacrifice)

Harmful things (still) happenHarmful things (still) happen

Sense of alonenessSense of aloneness

Self-monitorSelf-monitor Self-BlameSelf-Blame

May also blame others for non-complianceMay also blame others for non-compliance for upsetting the dominant (Persecute)for upsetting the dominant (Persecute)

The changing nature of God(s)

• Early human societies wereEarly human societies were often polytheistic– Gods had complex,

changeable personalities, could be kind or cruel

• The emergence of a supreme omnipotent deity meant that they had to be seen as good – so there needed to have someone else who was bad, or who could deal with the bad

• This resulted in a kind of splitting into extremes, and a splitting of power and influence over humankind

Sins and punishments – the rule of terrorSins and punishments – the rule of terror

- Caste out – unloved unwanted shamed

A core issue in mental healthA core issue in mental health

Compassion and crueltyCompassion and cruelty(Gilbert 2005)(Gilbert 2005)

To understand compassion requires us to To understand compassion requires us to understand how compassion gets turned on understand how compassion gets turned on and offand off, , people can literally people can literally dissociatedissociate from pain and from pain and suffering –suffering –

The human Mind is a a major source of suffering to The human Mind is a a major source of suffering to self and othersself and others

This is no one’s fault but – it is linked to how the This is no one’s fault but – it is linked to how the brain works in certain contexts – this carries brain works in certain contexts – this carries huge huge implications implications and responsibilitiesand responsibilities for how we build for how we build compassionate minds societies and compassionate minds societies and spiritualities.spiritualities.

The greatest Compassionate The greatest Compassionate challenges for all spiritualitieschallenges for all spiritualities

Recognise the fact that spiritualities and religions Recognise the fact that spiritualities and religions can be a source of great evil/suffering --The can be a source of great evil/suffering --The tribalisms, gender controls, inventions of mortal tribalisms, gender controls, inventions of mortal sin, concepts of hell, splitting of the good and the sin, concepts of hell, splitting of the good and the bad etc. bad etc.

Today we need to develop a true understanding of Today we need to develop a true understanding of the nature of ‘mind’ and compassion the nature of ‘mind’ and compassion

Understand how compassion is a motivational Understand how compassion is a motivational system that has to compete with other potential system that has to compete with other potential motivesmotives

The Emergence of the The Emergence of the Compassionate Mind Compassionate Mind

and Spiritualityand Spirituality

CompassionCompassion* Compassion is the acknowledgment that not all pain can * Compassion is the acknowledgment that not all pain can be ‘fixed’ or ‘solved’ but all suffering is made more be ‘fixed’ or ‘solved’ but all suffering is made more approachable in a landscape of compassion.approachable in a landscape of compassion.* Compassion is a * Compassion is a multi-textured responsemulti-textured response to pain, sorrow to pain, sorrow and anguish. It includes kindness, empathy, generosity and and anguish. It includes kindness, empathy, generosity and acceptanceacceptance.. The strands of courage, tolerance, equanimity The strands of courage, tolerance, equanimity are equally woven into the cloth of compassion. Above all are equally woven into the cloth of compassion. Above all compassion is the capacity to open to the reality of compassion is the capacity to open to the reality of suffering and to aspire to its healingsuffering and to aspire to its healing

Feldman, C & Kuyken, W. (2011). Compassion in the landscape of suffering. Contemporary Buddhism, 12, 143-155

The Two Psychologies of CompassionThe Two Psychologies of Compassion

Compassion can be defined in many ways but focuses on two Compassion can be defined in many ways but focuses on two key psychologies: key psychologies:

As a As a sensitivitysensitivity to the suffering of self and others with a deep to the suffering of self and others with a deep commitment to try to relievecommitment to try to relieve and and preventprevent it it

Two different Psychologies Two different Psychologies – To approach, understand and (how to) engage with To approach, understand and (how to) engage with

suffering - looking into its causes - COURAGEsuffering - looking into its causes - COURAGE

– To work to alleviate and prevent suffering – work to To work to alleviate and prevent suffering – work to acquire wisdom and skills - DEDICATIONacquire wisdom and skills - DEDICATION

Each more complex than might at first seemEach more complex than might at first seem

Compassion DiamondCompassion Diamond

AlleviationAlleviation

EngagementEngagement Well-beingWell-being

PreventionPrevention

Compassion as FlowCompassion as Flow

Different practices for eachDifferent practices for each

Other Other SelfSelf

SelfSelf OtherOther

Self Self SelfSelf

Evidence that Evidence that intentionallyintentionally practicing each of these can practicing each of these can

have impacts on mental states and social behaviourhave impacts on mental states and social behaviour

Dr Deborah Lee 2014

Compassion flow exercises

Compassion flowing out

Compassion from others

Self compassion

Compassionate mind/mentalityCompassionate mind/mentality

AttentionAttentionThinkingThinking

ReasoningReasoning

BehaviourBehaviour

MotivationMotivation EmotionsEmotions

Imagery Imagery FantasyFantasy CompassionCompassion

Competitive mind can block CompassionCompetitive mind can block Compassion

AttentionAttentionThinkingThinkingReasoningReasoning

BehaviourBehaviour

MotivationMotivation EmotionsEmotions

Imagery Imagery FantasyFantasy CompeteCompete

Threatened mind can block compassionThreatened mind can block compassion

AttentionAttentionThinkingThinkingReasoningReasoning

BehaviourBehaviour

MotivationMotivation EmotionsEmotions

Imagery Imagery FantasyFantasy ThreatThreat

Compassion Focused Therapy: Compassion Focused Therapy: and Social Mentality Theoryand Social Mentality Theory

Caring/HelpCaring/HelpGivingGiving

Specific CompetenciesSpecific Competenciese.g., attention empathye.g., attention empathy

Facilitators vs InhibitorsFacilitators vs Inhibitors

Care/Help Care/Help Seeking/ReceivingSeeking/Receiving

Specific CompetenciesSpecific Competencies e.g., openness responsivee.g., openness responsive

Facilitators vs InhibitorsFacilitators vs Inhibitors

Not just interested in what compassion is – but how it is Not just interested in what compassion is – but how it is experienced as a recipient – experienced are “being cared experienced as a recipient – experienced are “being cared

about”about”

What do we need to feel compassion?What do we need to feel compassion?

What blocks our compassion?What blocks our compassion?

Should there be heaven…for everyone?Should there be heaven…for everyone?

CompassionCompassion

isis

Motivation Motivation plusplus competencies competencies

Caring-Compassionate MindCaring-Compassionate Mind

Care for Care for well-beingwell-being

SensitivitySensitivity SympathySympathy

Distress Distress tolerancetolerance

EmpathyEmpathyNon-JudgementNon-Judgement

CompassionCompassion

ATTRIBUTESWarmthWarmth

WarmthWarmth

WarmthWarmth

WarmthWarmth

Non-judgement – we all struggleNon-judgement – we all struggle

Caring-Compassionate MindCaring-Compassionate Mind

Imagery

Attention Reasoning

Feeling Behaviour

Sensory

Care for well-being

Sensitivity Sympathy

Distress tolerance

EmpathyNon-Judgement

CompassionCompassion

ATTRIBUTES

SKILLS -TRAININGWarmthWarmth

WarmthWarmth

WarmthWarmth

WarmthWarmth

BodhicittaBodhicittaGeshe Tashi Tsering speaks about the meaning of Geshe Tashi Tsering speaks about the meaning of bodhicittabodhicitta

BodhicittaBodhicitta is the essence of all of Buddhist practise. The word is the essence of all of Buddhist practise. The word bodhicitta bodhicitta itself explains so much: itself explains so much: bodhibodhi is Sanskrit for is Sanskrit for “awake,” or “awakening” and “awake,” or “awakening” and chittachitta for “mind.” As for “mind.” As enlightenment is the state of being fully awakened, the enlightenment is the state of being fully awakened, the precious mind ofprecious mind of bodhicitta is the mind that is starting to bodhicitta is the mind that is starting to become completely awakened in order to benefit all other become completely awakened in order to benefit all other beings. There are two aspects to this mind: the aspiration to beings. There are two aspects to this mind: the aspiration to benefit others and the wish to obtain complete enlightenment benefit others and the wish to obtain complete enlightenment in order to do that most skilfully.”in order to do that most skilfully.”

Geshe Tashe Tsering. (2008). The Awakening Mind: the Foundation of Buddhist Thought Volume 4. London: Wisdom publications

Bodhisattvas in hellBodhisattvas in hell

• Commitment to not take Commitment to not take up their Buddhahood up their Buddhahood until all hells are emptieduntil all hells are emptied

• Bodhisattvas may Bodhisattvas may descend into hell in order descend into hell in order to rescue those in to rescue those in tormenttorment

• Compassion is a process Compassion is a process of of descendingdescending into pain into pain

Hell is ignorance and an unenlightened of mindHell is ignorance and an unenlightened of mind

Compassionate mindCompassionate mind

• Not ascending away for pain and the dark side – to get rid off

• But brining into consciousness toelrating and using as a soucre co wisdom

• Descending – coming into

Spiritualities and mental healthSpiritualities and mental health

• We live in a extraordinarily complicated universe and We live in a extraordinarily complicated universe and as Peter Gilbert often said we have a yearning for a as Peter Gilbert often said we have a yearning for a sense of belonging and connectedness -- to open our sense of belonging and connectedness -- to open our minds to the potential for depth beyond the appearance minds to the potential for depth beyond the appearance Of thingsOf things

• The evolutionary model highlights the fact that our The evolutionary model highlights the fact that our spiritual lives are actually once of deep responsibility spiritual lives are actually once of deep responsibility because they require us to come to terms with the because they require us to come to terms with the biologically in us and not project them into the biologically in us and not project them into the spiritual domain but instead cultivate compassion spiritual domain but instead cultivate compassion motivational systemsmotivational systems

Root our understanding in science of both biology –we are Root our understanding in science of both biology –we are created in the flow of life --and physics we are part of the created in the flow of life --and physics we are part of the nature of the universe itself -nature of the universe itself -

Confront terror and tribal aspects of spirituality and religion Confront terror and tribal aspects of spirituality and religion and focus on the nature of content and focus on the nature of content inin consciousness consciousness

Provide for a sense of connectedness and belonging in all minds Provide for a sense of connectedness and belonging in all minds confronted with the mysteries of being part of the flow of lifeconfronted with the mysteries of being part of the flow of life

In opening and deepening to the reality of suffering we become In opening and deepening to the reality of suffering we become compassionately orientated and seek to us use our wisdom to compassionately orientated and seek to us use our wisdom to help each otherhelp each other

The New SpiritualitiesThe New Spiritualities

ConclusionsConclusionsSpiritual ChallengesSpiritual Challenges

• A mind that wants to last and relate – yet it is a A mind that wants to last and relate – yet it is a gene-social creation that decays and fadesgene-social creation that decays and fades

• Everything in the universe emerges from Everything in the universe emerges from relationship relationship

• Our part in the emergence of relationshipsOur part in the emergence of relationships• Do not create fear or prejudice but always keep Do not create fear or prejudice but always keep

one’s focus on the reality and alleviation of one’s focus on the reality and alleviation of sufferingsuffering

• Compassion could be the centre for all Compassion could be the centre for all spiritualities spiritualities

We thank you for your leadership and inspiration on this mysterious journey

Part 11Part 11

Training our Minds for Training our Minds for CompassionCompassion

Understanding our Motives and Understanding our Motives and EmotionsEmotions

Motives evolved because they help animals to Motives evolved because they help animals to survive and leave genes behindsurvive and leave genes behind

Emotions guide us to our goals and respond if we Emotions guide us to our goals and respond if we are succeeding or threatenedare succeeding or threatened

There are three types of emotion regulationThere are three types of emotion regulation

1.1. Those that focus on threat and self-protectionThose that focus on threat and self-protection2.2. Those that focus on doing and achievingThose that focus on doing and achieving3.3. Those that focus on contentment and feeling safeThose that focus on contentment and feeling safe

Types of Affect Regulator SystemsTypes of Affect Regulator Systems

Incentive/resource- focused

Wanting, pursuing, achieving

Activating

Non-wanting/Affiliative focused

Safeness-kindness

Soothing

Threat-focused

Protection and

Safety-seeking

Activating/inhibiting

Anger, anxiety, disgustAnger, anxiety, disgust

Drive, excite, vitalityDrive, excite, vitality Content, safe, connectedContent, safe, connected

Types of Affect Regulator SystemsTypes of Affect Regulator Systems

Incentive/resource- focused

Wanting, pursuing, achieving

Activating

Non-wanting/Affiliative focused

Safeness-kindness

Soothing

Threat-focused

Protection and

Safety-seeking

Activating/inhibiting

Anger, anxiety, disgustAnger, anxiety, disgust

Drive, excite, vitalityDrive, excite, vitality Content, safe, connectedContent, safe, connected

Safeness,Safeness, Affiliation and Affiliation and

affect affect regulationregulation

Types of Affect Regulator SystemsTypes of Affect Regulator Systems

Incentive/resource- focused

Wanting, pursuing, achieving

Activating

Non-wanting/Affiliative focused

Safeness-kindness

Soothing

Threat-focused

Protection and

Safety-seeking

Activating/inhibiting

Anger, anxiety, disgustAnger, anxiety, disgust

Drive, excite, vitalityDrive, excite, vitality Content, safe, connectedContent, safe, connected

The Mammalian Importance of The Mammalian Importance of Caring MindsCaring Minds

Caring as “looking after”. Seeking closeness Caring as “looking after”. Seeking closeness rather than dispersion. Individuals obtain rather than dispersion. Individuals obtain protection, food, and care when ill. Key also is protection, food, and care when ill. Key also is soothing-calmingsoothing-calming and physiological regulation. and physiological regulation. Few offspring but high survival rate in Few offspring but high survival rate in comparison to species without attachment, comparison to species without attachment, affection and kindnessaffection and kindness

Promotes courage and engagementPromotes courage and engagement

Co-operative and mutual support stimulates Co-operative and mutual support stimulates affiliative systems and helps regulate threataffiliative systems and helps regulate threat

Between self and others

Threat Affiliative/ Soothing

Calms

120 Million year evolving system to regulate threat120 Million year evolving system to regulate threat

Self-to selfSelf to self

Sympathetic nerves Sympathetic nerves to heartto heart

Increases HRIncreases HR

Parasympathetic Parasympathetic nerves to heartnerves to heart

Slows HRSlows HR

Safeness -connecting and the parasympathetic system: The Vagus Nerve

• PNS influence on PNS influence on heart rate – slows beat heart rate – slows beat down during down during outbreathoutbreath

• Associated with Associated with affiliation, tend & affiliation, tend & befriend, general befriend, general positive emotional positive emotional tonetone

• Sensitive to safenessSensitive to safeness

‘New BrainNew Brain’’ with Frontal cortex with Frontal cortex and PNSand PNS

• HRV ass. with flexibilityHRV ass. with flexibility

• Mindful attentionMindful attention

• Control of attentionControl of attention

• Reflective thinkingReflective thinking

• Empathy – mentalizingEmpathy – mentalizing

• Not acting on emotionsNot acting on emotions

‘Some Overloads for New brainSome Overloads for New brain

• Chronic sympathetic arousalChronic sympathetic arousal

• Rapid shifts of attentionRapid shifts of attention

• No time for reflective thinkingNo time for reflective thinking

• Fear based (personal distress) Fear based (personal distress) based arousalbased arousal

• Self-criticism and self-doubtSelf-criticism and self-doubt

• Systemic failures in supportSystemic failures in support

Types Spirituality?Types Spirituality?

Incentive/resource- focused

Wanting, pursuing, achieving

Activating

Non-wanting/Affiliative focused

Safeness-kindness

Soothing

Threat-focused

Protection and

Safety-seeking

Activating/inhibiting

Anger, anxiety, disgustAnger, anxiety, disgust

Drive, excite, vitalityDrive, excite, vitality Content, safe, connectedContent, safe, connected

New Brain: Imagination, Planning, Rumination, Integration

Self-Identity

Old Brain: Emotions, Motives, Relationship Seeking-Creating

Mindful Compassion BrainMindful Compassion Brain

MindfulnessMindfulness

Compassion

Compassionate mind/mentalityCompassionate mind/mentality

AttentionAttentionThinkingThinking

ReasoningReasoning

BehaviourBehaviour

MotivationMotivation EmotionsEmotions

Imagery Imagery FantasyFantasy

CompassionateCompassionate

SelfSelf