In our previous lecture "The Entire Path to Liberation" we outlined the awe-inspiring path to develop the full potential of the human being. Now, we will take a closer look at how to actually do it, by looking at some of the most radiant examples known to humankind: true heroes.

The word hero is from Greek ἥρως, which is very closely related to the word ἔρως: Eros, the god of love. This little detail unveils the core meaning of every religion in the world, and illuminates our understanding of exactly what Christ is (also called Phanes, Avalokitesvara, Vishnu, Chenresig, etc).  

True heroes are those who enter the path of the bodhisattva, the direct path to the Absolute. They are known by the remarkable quality called bodhichitta: a mysterious word describing a quality of consciousness that can only be understood through direct experience. Such heroes include Jesus, Krishna, Joan of Arc, Moses, Buddha, Padmasambhava, and many more.

"Whatever joy there is in this world All comes from desiring others to be happy, And whatever suffering there is in this world, All comes from desiring myself to be happy. But what need is there to say much more? The childish work for their own benefit, The Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look at the difference between them!"—Shantideva