It Is Simply Pain, Just Like My Own

This pain of mine does not afflict
Or cause discomfort to another's body,
And yet this pain is hard for me to bear
Because I cling and take it for my own.

And other beings' pain
I do not feel, and yet,
Because I take them to myself,
Their suffering is mine and therefore hard to bear.

And therefore I'll dispel the pain of others,
For it is simply pain, just like my own.
And others I will aid and benefit,
For they are living beings, like my body.

Since I and other beings both,
In wanting happiness, are equal and alike,
What difference is there to distinguish us,
That I should strive to have my bliss alone?

Since I and other beings both,
In fleeing suffering, are equal and alike,
What difference is there to distinguish us,
That I should save myself and not the others?

---The Way of the Bodhisattva: Chapter 8, verses 92 - 96---