My heart goes out to all those who are now suffering,

My very own mothers who have cared for me so kindly,

Throughout the whole of time, from its very beginnings until now.

These mothers of mine helped to cool me when I was hot,

But now some who have taken birth in the eight hot hells

Are tormented by the searing heat—my heart goes out to them!

These mothers of mine gave me warmth when I was cold,

But now some who have taken birth in the eight cold hells

Are tormented by the freezing cold—my heart goes out to them!

These mothers of mine gave me food and drink in my hunger and thirst,

But now some who have taken birth in the preta realm

Are tormented by famine and drought—my heart goes out to them!

These kind mothers of mine always cared for me with love,

But now some who have taken birth among the animals

Are tormented by servitude and exploitation—my heart goes out to them!

These kind mothers of mine lovingly gave me whatever I desired,

But now some who have taken birth among human beings

Are tormented by the pains of aging and death—my heart goes out to them!

These kind mothers of mine shielded me from every harm,

But now some who have taken birth among the asuras

Are tormented by conflict and strife—my heart goes out to them!

These kind mothers of mine nurtured me and brought me only benefit,

But now some who have taken birth among the gods

Are tormented by death and transmigration—my heart goes out to them!

By yourselves, you have no chance to escape samsara’s pains,

And for now you lack the power to provide your own protection—

O my mothers, undergoing all this suffering, my heart goes out to you!

When I consider these sufferings which we all endure,

I think to myself, ‘If only I could gain enlightenment!

Let it not be tomorrow, but let it come to me today!’

Swiftly, ever so swiftly, may I gain awakening,

And, having done so, dispel all beings’ pain,

Leading them all to perfect bliss, I pray!

This was written when, moved by the plight of poor folk, who have always been without sufficient food and clothing, coming again and again in great numbers to beg at the door to my retreat hut, unbearable compassion arose from deep within my heart and I shed many tears.

| Text provided through the kindness of Alak Zenkar Rinpoche. Translated by Adam Pearcey, 2008. Painting by Dugu Choegyal Rinpoche.