The Preliminary Practices of Tibetan Buddhism

You may wonder whether the Buddha through his infinite compassion can assist in the elimination of the unskillful karma of a certain being. All beings have accumulated innumerable unskillful deeds which will inevitably result in suffering and misery. Out of compassion the Buddha has shown how karma may be destroyed and thereby eliminate suffering. However, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not this is to be achieved. A doctor may have great sympathy for a patient and give him the best treatment, but it is up to the patient to follow the prescribed cure. Samsara would have ended long ago if the Buddha’s mercy alone could liberate all beings. His compassion even surpasses the powerful love of self. It is like the sun shining equally on all things. Yet if a pot is upside down how can the sunlight enter it?