The Buddha’s gradual teachings in three steps

The first is impermanence and suffering. We have to acknowledge this initially.
The second is emptiness.When we recognise impermanence, emptiness is understood.
The third is wisdom. All phenomena including the mind reflects our innate wakefulness.

Three paths.
Hinayana Path – of benefit to oneself .
Mahayana Path – of benefit to others.
Vajrayana Path – the arousal of Bodhichitta* and the correct view.

Working in logical steps, we receive a firm foundation in understanding. This is especially important when coming into contact with others, as they must see a firm foundation in us. If we cherry pick the teachings, we will wobble in front of them, and they will feel subtly annoyed.

People do know, but may lack clarity, or may not have to words to describe how they feel. They look to practitioners to embody and express that knowing with generosity. That is our responsibility

Buddhism may not seem to help people as much on a physical level. Its value lies in emphasising an understanding of the mind, as that is where our troubles begin.

Bodhichitta*
(caring for others more than oneself).

 There are Two aspects to Bodhchitta: Absolute and Relative.
Absolute bodhichitta corresponds to Emptiness.
Relative bodhichitta corresponds to Compassion.

 Bodhi means our ‘enlightened essence’ and chitta means ‘heart’ or ‘mind’. This translates as ‘the heart of enlightened mind’. Arousing bodhichitta is for the sake of others.

 Relative bodhichitta is the compassionate wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings, and to train in the methods to achieve that aim.

Absolute bodhichitta is the direct insight into the absolute nature of things.

This may seem strange, but Absolute Bodhichitta has to come before Relative Bodhichitta!

Chogyam Trungpa wrote:
“Compassion automatically invites you to relate with people, because you no longer regard people as a drain on your energy. They recharge your energy, because in the process of relating with them you acknowledge your wealth, your richness. So, if you have difficult tasks to perform, such as dealing with people or life situations, you do not feel you are running out of resources. Each time you are faced with a difficult task, it presents itself as a delightful opportunity to demonstrate your riches, your wealth. There is no feeling of poverty at all in this approach to life.”