Great Compassion is a Prerequisite
Great compassion is the fundamental prerequisite for successful Ch'an meditation. Compassion is the best possible motivation. It inspires us like nothing else can. Because we have great compassion, we are striving to become enlightened for the sake of all beings. This is what it means to try to live the way of the Bodhisattva. Because we have great compassion, we cultivate non-selfishness. This helps reign in the ego and regulate our attachment to external things. Our compassion helps us cultivate humility.