In the traditional account, Asanga practised for years hoping to see Maitreya. Leaving retreat, he encountered a suffering dog. His longing for a vision gave way to immediate compassion.
The story says that profound compassion changed what he could perceive, revealing Maitreya. It is a teaching narrative about compassion and obscuration, not a verified historical report; graphic details are omitted here.
Read another story
A mustard seed: grief is shared
When someone is grieving, listen before offering explanations.
Read the story →
The monkey and the crocodile: pause and notice
Pause and check when someone pressures you to decide immediately.
Read the story →