This first element of compassion is integral to all other dimensions of compassion.  With loving kindness as a motivational tool we can utilize the full spectrum of compassion.  Loving kindness is as much an attitude as well as a way of life.

Is there a need for a discourse on compassion?  Why would anyone want to read about compassion when our culture gives us so many alternatives (i.e. competition)?  Thousands of books have been written about Love, how does that compare and contrast with compassion?  These are questions I ask myself as I write this book.