Teachings on Virūpa’s Mind Training Instruction with Asanga Vajra Rinpoche

For our May Text of the Month, we were honored to welcome His Eminence Asanga Vajra Rinpoche to give a teaching on The Yoga of Unparalleled Compassion, a profound mind training instruction attributed to the Indian mahāsiddha Virūpa.

This short but potent text presents both direct and gradual meditations on compassion. With vivid visualizations and clear contemplative steps, it guides practitioners to generate a truly open heart—beginning with compassion for one’s greatest enemy. This teaching brings into focus compassion not just as a noble sentiment, but as the very ground from which the awakened qualities of a buddha arise.

Asanga Vajra Rinpoche, the youngest grandson of Kyabje Jigdal Dagchen Rinpoche and future Sakya Trizin, is a direct descendant of the unbroken Khön lineage. Born in Seattle and currently studying at SOAS University of London (the very same university that Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has studied at), Rinpoche has a clear understanding of both the ancient wisdom and the modern mind.