This dissertation is about bringing heart into the soul of depth psychology by linking a psychology of soul with a psychology of compassion. Depth psychology has grown out of a deep reverence for soul and its searchings, its making, and its musings. There is a call for the heart of compassion from within depth psychology's landscape of soul
Using a hermeneutic method, this study is structured in two parts. Part 1 surveys literature from the field of depth psychology and literature from Tibetan Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhist concepts such as bodhisattva and bodhimind are explained. Particular attention is given to the work of Freud and Jung in areas that pertain to compassion and the related subject of love. The depth psychological review demonstrates that, although there are intimations, there is little focus on the relationship between compassion and transformation, and no methodology articulated for developing compassion. Tibetan Buddhism, on the other hand, recognizes the twin facets of love and compassion as the engine and elixir of transformation, and is replete with literature and methodology on this topic
Part 2 of the dissertation introduces a text called the "Seven Points of Mind Training," which belongs to a tradition of teachings called lojong, or thought transformation. This instruction was brought to Tibet by the Indian Buddhist master Atisha (982--1054). The lojong focuses explicitly on awakening the heart, and identifies habitual selfishness and self-grasping as the obstacles to tapping the compassion and wisdom within. The entire lojong text is encapsulated instruction in the form of aphorisms, and commentary is given to elucidate these. Lojong is especially designed to help individuals attenuate selfishness and cultivate compassion, beginning with establishing the ground of equanimity. Lojong also includes the practice of tonglen, a method of giving happiness and taking suffering conjoined with the breath. This practice and its application for both self and other are explored. Finally, there is a concluding discussion of central themes, and suggestions for future directions
This dissertation draws extensively on depth psychological and Tibetan Buddhist literature, as well as mythology, religion, history, contemporary culture, and personal reflection
