If, in return for not the slightest wrong of mine,
Someone were to cut off even my very head,
Through the power of compassion to take all his negative actions
Upon myself is the practice of a Spiritual Hero.
Even if someone makes derogatory statements about me
And proclaims them throughout the universe,
In return, out of loving-kindness,
To extol that person’s qualities is the practice of a Spiritual Hero.
Even if in the midst of a large gathering
Someone exposes my hidden faults with insulting language,
To bow to him respectfully,
Regarding him as a spiritual friend, is the practice of a Spiritual Hero.
Even if one I’ve lovingly cared for like my own child
Regards me as an enemy,
To love him even more,
As a mother loves a sick child, is the practice of a Spiritual Hero.
Even if my peers or my inferiors
Out of pride do all they can to debase me,
To respectfully consider them like my teachers
On the crown of my head, is the practice of a Spiritual Hero.
Even when utterly destitute and constantly maligned by others,
Afflicted by terrible illness and prey to unwholesome forces,
To still draw upon myself the suffering and wrongdoing of all beings
And not lose heart is the practice of a Spiritual Hero.
–Tokme Zangpo
Great Middle Way 